0
For decades, the number 9 carried a meaning that went far beyond a shirt: it was the consecration of instinct, art and authority within the area. It was Romário’s territory, Ronaldo Fenômeno’s dominance, Adriano Imperador’s raw scream, Luís Fabiano’s moment of glory, and even Fred’s brief flash. The center forward was the man who solved it. Today, however, that role seems vacant, and the scarcity of goals highlights an unprecedented crisis in the position that once defined Brazil as the country of football.
A portrait in numbers
In the cycle that started after the 2022 World Cup, 12 center forwards have already worn the Seleção shirt. The scenario is bleak: among all, only Endrick has scored more than two goals, three of which, in 14 matches, with a goal every 129 minutes. Even without playing for months, due to injuries and lack of space at Real Madrid, the 18-year-old remains the top scorer in the position in the cycle.
See the photos
The data reinforces that the problem is collective, not individual. Richarlison, the last “9” who excited the country (with great goals and tears in the Qatar Cup), has now accumulated 12 games without scoring after passing the clash against Japan last Tuesday (14/10) blank. Gabriel Jesus, who seemed to be the natural heir to the position in 2018, has stopped being a goalscorer since the momentum he had in the 2019 Copa América. And Matheus Cunha, currently at Manchester United, has scored one goal in nine games, still the best average among recent competitors (one goal every 353 minutes).
The weight of shirt 9
The numbers are symbolic. In Endrick’s 14 games, Brazil scored more goals with him on the field than with all the other center forwards combined. Not because of the young man’s exclusive merit, but because the data reveals the collapse of the function. The Brazilian center forward, once a natural predator, today appears to be an endangered species.
Endrick emerged as the promise that could break this cycle. He scored decisive goals in friendlies against England, Spain and Mexico, and seemed destined to lead the new generation. But muscle injuries at Real Madrid and difficult adaptation put him in early ostracism, rarer minutes and confidence.
The comparison with Cunha, in turn, exposes a contrast in styles. The United striker has been gaining ground with Carlo Ancelotti, not for his goals, but for his tactical intelligence and mobility. As the coach himself explained.
“It’s very important to know how to play. Cunha helps a lot with the ball, he’s very mobile and doesn’t fix the opponent’s position. When the opposing team presses intensely, he becomes even more relevant”, said the Italian.
The problem is that, in essence, Cunha is not a classic nine. Its role is to open spaces, create plays, connect the middle and the attack. But Brazil still lacks the one who defines it, the man with the last touch, the executor.
From glory to scarcity
The fall is also symbolic. From Romário and Ronaldo, geniuses who redefined the goal, to Richarlison, who has experienced a technical and mental abyss since Qatar. Tottenham’s number 9 went from one of the names of the World Cup to a striker without confidence. As if the weight of the position, and the emptiness it carries, had taken its toll.
Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison seem to have ended their cycles. None sustain the protagonism, nor the regularity that technical command requires. João Pedro and Igor Jesus still try to show service, but they live under the same diagnosis: they lack efficiency, they lack the “Brazilian instinct” of the center forward.
Hope (or the last breath)
Faced with this scenario, Ancelotti is looking for ways out. Perhaps, Neymar’s long-awaited return will solve this problem as an alternative solution. If the number 10 regains his rhythm and physique, the coach may choose to reposition him as a false nine, exploring his ability to float between the lines, but keeping him closer to the area. This role would protect him from fouls one-on-one and, at the same time, give the attack the appearance of a player who decides in one touch.
Meanwhile, the fate of the position seems to depend on two paths: the revival of Endrick or the consolidation of Matheus Cunha. The first is still the symbol of hope; the second, the portrait of adaptation to a new tactical model.
Brazil, which for decades had its greatest sporting heritage in the “nine”, is now looking not just for a goalscorer, but for an identity. The shirt remains sacred, but there is a lack of someone capable of making it weigh again.
Transform your dream with the power of sport. Bet now on Viva Sorte! !
