Endrick’s Revival and World Cup Ambitions
With less than a month remaining before Carlo Ancelotti announces the Brazil squad for the World Cup, Endrick has experienced a resurgence in his performances wearing the nation’s canary yellow jersey. The 19-year-old forward, however, faced significant challenges this season and endured what he describes as “a night of doubts” prior to Brazil’s match against Croatia in late March.
After limited opportunities at Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso’s arrival, Endrick was loaned to Lyon, where he began to regain his form. In France, he has appeared in 17 matches, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists. His improved performances attracted the attention of Ancelotti, though before the Orlando match, the Brazil head coach remarked that Endrick was a player for the future rather than the present.
These comments led some to speculate that Endrick’s chances of participating in this summer’s World Cup were diminishing. Reflecting on that period, Endrick said:
“It was a night of doubts and a sense of urgency I knew it could be my last chance. I prayed a lot. I knew that day could be a turning point for me. I played well, one of my best performances. I managed to shake off those negative thoughts, that sense of urgency, that pressure to play well, that it might be my last chance. That helped me take the weight off my shoulders because I knew I had to play well to make it to the World Cup. But I managed to shake off that thought, I didn’t let it affect me and played a great game.”
Endrick was on the pitch for only 15 minutes during that match. Brazil were leading 1–0 but were not performing well and conceded an equalizer immediately after his entry. However, Endrick shifted the momentum by earning a penalty, which Igor Thiago converted, and then assisted Gabriel Martinelli to secure a 3–1 victory.
Pressure of Representing Brazil and Personal Growth
Endrick is part of a generation of Brazilian players burdened by the nation’s 24-year World Cup title drought. Representing Brazil carries unique pressures, but Endrick asserts that he has moved beyond being affected by external opinions.
“I no longer pay attention to what others say. When you take all that out of your life, things get easier. When I stepped back, I focused only on playing football and doing my best for my team. Once you ignore what happens off the pitch, you start performing better on it. That’s the key for footballers. Work hard for the team and don’t worry about the criticism.”
He further reflected on his early experiences with social media and criticism:
“When I started out, I handled social media and criticism very badly. I’d come off the pitch and would head straight to Twitter [now X], to social media, to see what people were saying about me. I wanted to have my ego inflated. But that’s not a good thing. Thank God that period is over. When the match is over, I stay calm and focus on my recovery. I don’t care about that criticism anymore.”
Fatherhood and Life Beyond Football
In addition to his World Cup aspirations, Endrick is preparing to become a father. His wife Gabriely is expecting their child at the end of the year. The couple has not yet learned the baby’s sex, but Endrick expressed hopes that his child will pursue a life away from football.
“I hope he or she becomes a great person, a great human being. And that he sees me off the pitch as a normal person, not as Endrick the footballer. Football isn’t a nice place. It’s a very tough environment. I hope he or she becomes a lawyer, a doctor or anything else, and can be happy in his own world.”
Overcoming Injury and Challenges at Real Madrid
Endrick has matured significantly amid numerous life changes. His time at Real Madrid was marked by limited playing opportunities, with only three appearances in six months, partly due to a thigh injury that sidelined him for three months.
“I had a complicated injury and lost a lot of time. It kept me away from many matches, training and work. I couldn’t compete. When you get injured, you lose everything. You lose the chance to fight for a place. These are things beyond my control,” he said.
“I was really afraid. I cried several times. That’s something you do in private. I didn’t know how to deal with my injury, what to expect. You don’t know if you’ll have a relapse, if you’ll keep your strength, if you’ll come back weaker. That affects you a lot. You get scared of the future. But I knew I had to keep going. If I’d had another injury, I’d have gone through the whole process again. I knew that when I came back, I’d have to give it my best.”
Support from Teammates Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric
Endrick credits the support of his Real Madrid teammates, particularly England midfielder Jude Bellingham, for helping him adjust to life in Madrid.
“Bellingham was really important to me. He made me feel welcome at the club. I didn’t speak English very well, but he spoke to me, tried to speak a bit of Spanish, was by my side and gave me advice.
“His friendship was important to me in my beginning at Real Madrid. That really had an impact on me. I had a certain impression of him before I arrived, but he was completely different. He’s an incredible player and an incredible person too, especially when it comes to friendship. That’s what impressed me the most about him.”
Endrick was also impressed by the professionalism and mentorship of Luka Modric upon arriving in Madrid.
“Luka Modric was the player who most impressed me at Real Madrid: 100%. He’s a guy who taught me a lot in my first year. Not just in training, but also in matches. It was a football masterclass. He was 40 years old and very strong. He trained every day. When he wasn’t playing, he’d go to the club and train, doing his own extra training. The way he plays is incredible. He always gave me tips, telling me what I should do on the pitch. That helped me a lot. He was one of the most incredible guys I’ve ever met in football.”
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Brazil’s opening match at the World Cup is scheduled against Morocco on 13 June. Endrick’s inclusion in Ancelotti’s squad is not guaranteed, and he has three remaining games with Lyon to solidify his position.
“My first desire is to play the World Cup. I need to be there. That’s my first thought. Before thinking about the title, I need to do my job well at Lyon. I’m focused here. I need to play well in these remaining games to secure my place. My dream is to play the World Cup and help my country. I’ll do my best to help Brazil.”
