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Siddhant Lazar

USMNT star Ricardo Pepi awarded storied No. 9 shirt at PSV for 2025-26 season

Eredivisie
R. Pepi
PSV Eindhoven
USA

The U.S. international had an impressive 2024-25 campaign, scoring 17 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions

FBL-EUR-C1-EINDHOVEN-SHAKHTARGetty Images

WHAT HAPPENED?

PSV Eindhoven announced that American striker Ricardo Pepi will wear the club's storied No. 9 shirt for the upcoming season. The 22-year-old striker, who joined PSV in 2023 for €9 million from FC Augsburg, assumes the number previously worn by club captain Luuk de Jong, signaling a significant vote of confidence from manager Peter Bosz in the young American's future.

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The number was also previously worn by Brazilian icons Romario and Ronaldo, as well as Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert during their time at the club.

WHAT PSV POSTED

Next Match

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pepi's elevation to PSV's iconic No. 9 comes after an impressive 2024-25 campaign in which he scored 17 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions before a knee injury ended his season prematurely in January. The American has steadily developed since arriving in the Netherlands, transforming from a promising talent into a consistent goalscorer.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Pepi faces the challenge of returning to full fitness following his knee injury as he prepares for preseason training with PSV.

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