Endrick’s journey at Real Madrid has been anything but smooth, marked by highs and lows that have tested the young Brazilian star’s resolve.
Once celebrated as a prodigious talent with a bright future, his current struggles have cast a shadow over the early promise he showed.
A Star in the Making
Endrick’s rise to fame was meteoric. He dazzled with early debuts in La Liga (against Valladolid) and the Champions League (against Stuttgart), where he broke records as one of the youngest scorers.
These performances cemented his reputation as a global sensation, and his ability to deliver under pressure was heralded as extraordinary for someone so young.
However, his progress hit a snag after his first start against Lille, a match that inadvertently marked the start of a slump.
Since then, Endrick has seen limited game time, with only 15 minutes played in his last six matches and a stretch of five games where he remained unused.
Resilience Beyond His Years
Despite his current challenges, Endrick is no stranger to overcoming adversity. At Palmeiras, he endured a 12-match goalless streak—a significant hurdle for a player known for his scoring prowess. But under Abel Ferreira’s guidance, he bounced back, scoring a decisive goal in the Paulistão final and proving his mental fortitude.
Endrick’s resilience is evident in his words. In an interview with GQ Brazil, he reflected on the pressures of being in the spotlight:
> “Sometimes I wonder why so many media outlets focus on me.
I never asked for this. Some things go too far—‘Oh, he’s the new Pelé.’ No one will ever be Pelé; he’s the king of football. But I can’t control what people say. Critics will always be there.”
Competing in a Star-Studded Squad
Joining Real Madrid has intensified the pressure on Endrick. Competing against established stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Brahim Díaz, and Arda Güler, Endrick’s opportunities have been limited.
However, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains impressed with his attitude and training efforts.
“He’s doing very well and showing great potential,” Ancelotti noted, highlighting Endrick’s professionalism. However, the coach also emphasized that playing time must be earned:
> “There will be no gifts—only merit.”
Impact on His Brazil Career
The lack of game time at Madrid has also affected Endrick’s international standing.
Brazil coach Dorival Júnior excluded him from the latest squad, even after Rodrygo’s injury. Instead, Gabriel Martinelli was called up.
Endrick’s omission marks the first time he will watch Brazil’s matches from the sidelines since his debut last November. While he was initially impressed on the international stage with three goals in his first five appearances, including a standout performance at Wembley, he has yet to score.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) views his current situation as part of a natural developmental process, linked closely to his limited minutes at Madrid.
A New Chapter Ahead
Now 18, Endrick remains focused on training and regaining his form.
During the international break, he’ll work at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre to prepare for upcoming matches. With two weeks to reset, Endrick is determined to overcome the challenges and reclaim his brilliance, both for his club and his country.
While the road has been tough, Endrick’s story is far from over. His resilience and determination could very well pave the way for a resurgence that reminds the world why he was once hailed as the next big thing.
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