Kylian Mbappé’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid has not unfolded as expected, with the French superstar facing early struggles since joining the club as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé was set to be the final piece of the puzzle for the European champions as they look to become the number one favourite for the Champions League with sports betting odds every season.
Initially heralded as a huge signing, the Frenchman’s performances have fallen short of the lofty expectations associated with the iconic number nine shirt, which has been worn by some of the club’s all-time greats.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly pinpointed Mbappé as one of the main issues impacting the team’s form, especially following a disheartening 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico, where his finishing and offside tendencies drew the ire of supporters while his low goal tally of eight in 14 appearances raises doubts about his fit within the squad.
This criticism highlights the weight of responsibility that comes with the number nine, as it has historically been associated with prolific scoring and crucial contributions to the team. Even though the 26-year-old has not been awful, it just shows how high Madrid’s standards are.
The number nine carries a weighty legacy, with each player facing their unique challenges and expectations. In this article, we look at the mixed bag of players to have last donned the famous number nine for the Merengues, assessing how the last five have performed.
Karim Benzema
Arriving at Real Madrid in 2009, Benzema faced scepticism from fans and pundits alike when he signed from Lyon. However, he quickly silenced the doubters, forging a formidable partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo that would dominate European football for nearly a decade.
Benzema’s adaptability and vision on the pitch allowed him to evolve from a supporting role in the La Decima team to the main talisman under Ancelotti’s second tenure, culminating in a remarkable scoring record and a Ballon d’Or win in 2022, further cementing his legacy as one of Madrid’s all-time greats.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club in the same summer as Benzema, with a hefty price tag and immense expectations.
Initially taking the number nine before returning to the iconic CR7, his debut season saw him score an astonishing 33 goals, immediately announcing his arrival as a true superstar.
Over his nine seasons with Madrid, he redefined the role of a goalscoring winger, consistently leading the team in scoring, winning multiple Champions League titles and securing five Ballon d’Or awards as the club’s top scorer.
Javier Saviola
Not all Madrid’s big moves work out. Javier Saviola’s time at the Bernabeu, which began in 2007, was marred by inconsistency and limited opportunities.
While he arrived with a reputation as a skilful forward, he struggled to find his rhythm and make a significant impact, often relegated to the bench.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, which earned him the number nine shirt for the 08/09 season, Saviola’s spell at the club lasted only two years before he moved on, scoring just five goals.
Roberto Soldado
A product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, Roberto Soldado was handed the nine shirt in 2007 following a promising loan stint at Osasuna. However, his time at the club did not live up to expectations, as he struggled to make a significant impact.
In fact, Soldado’s tenure in the white jersey was disappointing, as he failed to score a single goal in his five league appearances, prompting the club to reevaluate their attacking options.
Ronaldo
The peak of the Galactico era came when Madrid signed Ronaldo Fenômeno. The Brazilian superstar’s arrival in 2002 was met with great fanfare, as he was already considered one of the best players in the world.
Ronaldo made an immediate impact, scoring 23 goals in his debut season and showcasing his incredible dribbling and finishing ability.
Despite struggling with injuries later in his Madrid career, he left a lasting impression on the club and is remembered for his electric style of play and his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
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