Monday, 20 May 2024

Ranking Real Madrid’s No.9 Players Since 1992

Real Madrid’s No.9 shirt holds a rich history, adorned by some of the club’s all-time great goalscorers. Legends like Alfredo Di Stefano and Hugo Sanchez have made this shirt one of the most coveted in world football. However, not every player who has worn the prestigious jersey has lived up to expectations. In this article, we rank the eight players who have donned the No.9 for Real Madrid since 1992, from worst to best.

why did ronaldo wear number 9

8. Roberto Soldado

Roberto Soldado, a product of Real Madrid’s youth academy, was given the No.9 shirt in 2007 after a successful loan stint at Osasuna. Unfortunately, his time wearing the jersey was lackluster, failing to score a single goal in his five league appearances. Soldado was subsequently sold to Getafe and later became a symbol of Tottenham’s ill-fated spending spree.

7. Javier Saviola

Javier Saviola switched to the No.9 shirt ahead of the 2008-09 season, having previously worn the No.18 for Real Madrid. Despite his move, Saviola struggled to establish himself as a regular in the first team, scoring just two goals in 12 appearances. He eventually departed for Benfica at the end of the season, leaving behind a legacy as a Championship Manager legend.

6. Davor Suker

Davor Suker arrived at Real Madrid from Sevilla in 1996 and formed a lethal attacking partnership with Raul and Predrag Mijatovic. During his three-year tenure, Suker netted 49 goals in 109 appearances, helping the club secure a La Liga title and a Champions League triumph. Suker’s inclusion at number six is a testament to the incredible forwards Real Madrid has boasted over the past three decades.

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Real Madrid 97

5. Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes debuted the No.9 shirt for Real Madrid in the 1999-2000 season, scoring 19 goals across all competitions. Notably, he found the back of the net in the Champions League final victory over Valencia. Morientes went on to win two La Liga titles and another Champions League before being overshadowed by Ronaldo. He later returned to haunt Madrid during a loan spell at Monaco and subsequently joined Liverpool.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

Although Cristiano Ronaldo is often associated with the No.7 shirt, he initially wore the No.9 at Real Madrid, with the No.7 being occupied by club captain Raul. In his first season wearing the No.9, Ronaldo showcased his immense talent, scoring 33 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. Following Raul’s departure, Ronaldo made the switch to his preferred No.7 and etched his name in Madrid’s history books.

3. Ronaldo

O Fenomeno, Ronaldo, enjoyed a sensational debut season at Real Madrid, initially wearing the No.11 shirt before taking over the No.9 from Morientes in 2003. Ronaldo amassed an impressive tally of 74 goals in 133 appearances before injuries and weight issues hampered his time at the club. Despite his peak occurring prior to his move to the Bernabeu, Ronaldo is still held in high regard by the Real Madrid faithful.

Ronaldo Real Madrid 2003

2. Ivan Zamorano

Ivan Zamorano arrived at Real Madrid in 1992 and faced the daunting task of filling the void left by the departure of Hugo Sanchez. Zamorano’s arrival was met with high expectations, which he exceeded by scoring 101 goals in 173 appearances. His contributions were instrumental in securing the club’s first La Liga title in five years (1994-95), where he emerged as the league’s top goalscorer. Zamorano’s creativity earns him the runner-up position.

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1. Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema inherited the No.9 shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo in 2010 and has since become an integral part of Real Madrid’s success. Over the past decade and a half, Benzema has scored an impressive 329 goals in 616 appearances. With four La Liga titles, five Champions League trophies, and two Copa del Rey crowns, Benzema has become the most successful No.9 for Real Madrid since the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano. His consistent performances make him a worthy contender for the Ballon d’Or.

FAQs

  • Who is the most successful No.9 in Real Madrid’s history?
    Karim Benzema holds the distinction of being Real Madrid’s most successful No.9, having won numerous titles and consistently performed at a high level.

  • Who wore the No.9 before Cristiano Ronaldo?
    Ronaldo took over the No.9 shirt from Fernando Morientes in 2003, after impressing during his debut season with the club.

  • Are there any other noteworthy players who wore the No.9 for Real Madrid?
    Yes, players like Alfredo Di Stefano and Hugo Sanchez are notable No.9 players from Real Madrid’s history. However, this ranking focuses on players since 1992.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s No.9 shirt has been cherished by some of the greatest goalscorers in the club’s illustrious history. From Roberto Soldado to Karim Benzema, the players who have worn this iconic jersey have left their mark, for better or worse. While some have struggled to make an impact, others have become legends. As the fans eagerly await the next player to don the No.9 for Real Madrid, they can reflect on the rich history and the memories associated with this esteemed shirt.

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