Kylian Mbappe is set to don the number 9 jersey at Real Madrid. Number 9 has become iconic with strikers throughout history and Real Madrid have done well to keep this tradition going. Kylian Mbappe can only hope to continue the fine reputation of the number 9 jersey.
The truth is, until he plays consistently for Real Madrid, it's hard to say certainly how he will perform for his new club. However, given his repuation in the sport already, it is pretty easy to make a prediction.
Therefore, join us as we rank Kylian Mbappe among other number 9s in Real Madrid history. It must be said as a disclaimer that Kylian Mbappe will be judged on how he has played and the reputation he has before joining Real Madrid, whereas other Real Madrid number 9s will be judged on their time donning the jersey number in the Spanish capital.
Also, if a player wore more than one jersey for Real Madrid, they will be judged for te shirt number they spent the most time wearing. Hence why Cristiano Ronaldo does not make this list despite wearing the number 9 at one point (since he is more iconic to the number 7 jersey).
Where does Kylian Mbappe rank among number 9s in Real Madrid history?
1. Alfredo Di Stefano
Regarded as one of the best footballers of all-time, Alfredo Di Stefano is certainly the best number 9 in Real Madrid history. In many ways, it was the Argentina-born Spanish international who began the tradition of the number 9 for Real Madrid, a list which he is still top of to this day.
Alfredo Di Stefano played for Real Madrid between the years 1953–1964, scoring an incredible 216 Liga goals during his time in the Spanish capital. He won eight Liga titles and five Champions League trophies (then, it was called the European Cup).
Kylian Mbappe certainly has a legacy to live up to if he wants to claim the top spot.
2. Karim Benzema
A player who surprised the world with the incredible legacy he left behind at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema makes second in this list.
The Frenchman, who is a countryman to Kylian Mbappe, joined Real Madrid in 2009. Like most players, it took Benzema time to settle and find his feet but he is now regarded as one of the best strikers in the club's history. He scored a notable 238 league goals and formed some great partnerships with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil throughout his time at Real Madrid.
3. Ronaldo
Ronaldo also wore the number 11 jersey at Real Madrid but it goes without saying that his best work was completed in a number 9 jersey.
The Brazil international put on many terrific displays for Real Madrid during his five year stay. Despite not being the longest-serving player, Ronaldo redefined what it meant to be a Real Madrid attacker, with his incredible footwork and abilty to score goals from multiple positions. It is also an added bonus that Ronaldo became a Real Madrid legend after previously playing for Barcelona.
4. Hugo Sanchez
Arguably the greatest Mexican footballer of all-time, Hugo Sanchez was incredibly stylistic to watch and ahead of his time in terms of his acrobatic style. Not only in the obvious manner that he would celebrate, many of Sanchez's goals would come from his high-flying and flexible ability.
Hugo Sanchez left Atletico Madrid to join Real Madrid, which is always going to sit well with Real Madrid fans, providing the two clubs are placed in that order and that order only. He also played for Rayo Vallecano later on down the line, so he became accustmed to the Madrid lifestyle.
5. Kylian Mbappe
Judging Kylian Mbappe solely on his ability, output and credentials before joining Real Madrid, he would make the number five slot in their all-time number 9 rankings.
As things stand, Kylian Mbappe has won seven Ligue 1 titles and World Cup. Ageing at 25 years old, he has everything it takes to become a Real Madrid legend, providing he sticks to it and lives up to the precedent he has already set before joining. Fans are more than excited by his arrival and it's clear to see why. Hopefully, he climbs the number-9 rankings in the following years.
Who is your favourite number 9 in Real Madrid history?