Real Madrid's new No. 9 has yet to make an appearance this season; the 19-year-old valued at €35 million remains on the bench.

Football sees new prodigies each year, yet only a handful become genuine superstars. For the Brazilian rising star Endrick, signing early with the prestigious Real Madrid and taking over the No. 9 shirt this season, he still hasn't made his debut.

Data shows that Real Madrid’s 19-year-old Brazilian striker Endrick has been absent from competitive matches for five months and has not been called up by the Brazilian national team for the last three international windows. Apart from receiving the symbolic No. 9 jersey representing a starter, Endrick has seemingly vanished from the football scene, having yet to play for Real Madrid this season.

It is reported that Real Madrid’s new coach, Alonso, has clearly informed Endrick that he is not part of his plans. This means it will be difficult for Endrick to secure regular playing time at Madrid, yet he has chosen to stay. Therefore, Endrick’s zero appearances this season are by his own decision. If he continues without game time, he is likely to miss out on Brazil’s squad for next year’s World Cup. Consequently, the 19-year-old Brazilian forward valued at €35 million will need to reconsider his future by January 2026 — whether to leave Real Madrid, go out on loan, or remain on the bench waiting for a chance...

In my personal view, for young players, getting playing time is crucial; only by playing regularly can they improve and develop. Joining a top club too early is not always beneficial for a rising star.