Gonçalo Ramos Aims to Break AC Milan’s No.9 Curse with Weight of History

FolioPitch.com – 17 July 2026 | CorSport A number with weight Ramos hoping to buck trend of Milan No 9 curse – As AC Milan prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window, all eyes are on Gonçalo Ramos, the Portuguese striker expected to be the club’s marquee signing. According to Corriere dello Sport, Ramos is ready to embrace the challenge and has already selected the iconic number nine shirt, a jersey that carries immense historical weight and, in recent years, a seemingly cursed legacy.

Ramos recently visited Milan to search for accommodation and meet with club officials, including owner Gerry Cardinale and coach Ruben Amorim. During his stay, he posed with the No.9 shirt at the club store, signaling his intent to take on the responsibility that comes with such a storied number. The CorSport A number with weight Ramos hoping to buck trend of Milan No 9 curse narrative is central to his arrival, as he seeks to become the first striker since Olivier Giroud to truly thrive wearing the nine.

The Weight of the No.9

The number nine at AC Milan is not just a jersey; it’s a symbol of goalscoring prowess, from the legendary Filippo Inzaghi to the more recent successes of Olivier Giroud. However, after Inzaghi’s retirement, the shirt has often been more burden than blessing. Giroud managed to break the pattern, scoring 49 goals in 132 appearances and playing a key role in the 2021-22 Scudetto, including a memorable brace in the derby and decisive goals against Sassuolo on the final day. His average of one goal every 185 minutes stands as the benchmark for recent No.9s.

But the list of those who struggled is long. Luka Jović, with 13 goals in 47 games, had a better rate (one every 149 minutes) but couldn’t sustain it. Alexandre Pato (one every 163 minutes) and Gianluca Lapadula (one every 170) showed promise but faded. Others like André Silva (one every 202), Gonzalo Higuaín (one every 232), Luiz Adriano (one every 266), and Krzysztof Piątek (one every 269) all failed to live up to expectations, reinforcing the idea of a curse.

Ramos: A Striker Built for the Challenge

Gonçalo Ramos arrives with credentials that suggest he might be the one to reverse the trend. At Paris Saint-Germain, despite limited playing time behind Ousmane Dembélé, he maintained an impressive average of one goal every 142 minutes. Last season, he scored 12 goals across all competitions, with six in Ligue 1 and two in the Champions League. His previous campaign with Benfica saw him net 19 times, and before his move to Paris, he scored 27 goals, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most prolific young forwards.

His international form has been equally compelling. A recent goal against Croatia at the World Cup, set up by Rafael Leão, showcased his movement and finishing ability. The CorSport A number with weight Ramos hoping to buck trend of Milan No 9 curse theme is not just about statistics; it’s about mentality. Ramos appears ready to embrace the pressure, having already chosen the shirt that symbolizes both glory and agony.

What the Numbers Say

Comparing Ramos’s output with his predecessors highlights his potential. His rate of one goal every 142 minutes at PSG is superior to all Milan No.9s except Jović (though Jović’s sample size is smaller). If he can replicate that form, he could become the most efficient Milan No.9 in over a decade. However, adapting to Serie A‘s tactical demands will be crucial.

The club and fans alike hope that Ramos can put an end to the long list of disappointments. The CorSport A number with weight Ramos hoping to buck trend of Milan No 9 curse phrase captures the essence of his mission: to turn a cursed number into a symbol of success once again.

Conclusion

Gonçalo Ramos’s decision to wear the No.9 shirt for AC Milan is a statement of intent. He is aware of the history, the pressure, and the so-called curse. But with his goal-scoring pedigree and mental fortitude, he has the tools to write a new chapter. From August onwards, all eyes will be on the Portuguese striker as he attempts to deliver where so many before him have fallen short. If he succeeds, the CorSport A number with weight Ramos hoping to buck trend of Milan No 9 curse will become a story of triumph rather than tragedy.