Brazil defeat for Real Madrid’s Endrick clears up his Olympic Games dilemma

Real Madrid had one eye on the South American Clásico, a Brazil-Argentina match in which a place in the next Olympic Games in Paris was on the line. In the end, it was Mascherano’s Argentina that booked their place at the Games and Brazil, champions of the Olympics in the last two editions, will miss out. On the Madrid side of the divide, however, the loss for the Gold Medal holders is seen as one less problem.

Endrick will no longer have to make the difficult decision of choosing to attend the Olympics or participate in Madrid’s pre-season campaign. In any case, as AS understood, the 17-year-old’s entourage had already thought of putting the ball in Madrid’s court, who wanted to keep him. Even if Brazil had qualified, it would have been very strange to see Endrick in Paris. But with the defeat, the question is answered.

Endrick is a star in Brazil and beyond

Endrick comes out strong from the U-23 Pre-Olympic tournament that has been played in Venezuela, despite the fact that the tournament wasn’t his best in terms of sporting performance. He got two goals and an assist in the first three games, and only one black mark with his performance against Venezuela. In the last match against Argentina he found life very difficult, playing as a lone forward up top with Brazil ready to defend the draw that took them to Paris. The Argentine tactics were to simply kick him out of the game. But Endrick’s performance has gone further than just soccer.

Signing for Real Madrid, which he will do when he comes of age next July, has catapulted Endrick to stardom. His presence with the U-23 team in the Pre-Olympic tournament has been quite the talking point in both Brazil and Venezuela. The player’s father also travelled there, followed by the local media. He was relaxed, without feeling any pressure, speaking Spanish quite fluently and even organising a charity event in which he gifted Brazil, Palmeiras and even some Real Madrid shirts to help those in need.

The feelings from within the Brazilian Federation are that Endrick has a good chance of going to the Copa América with the senior national team. After all, he broke records when he made his debut at only 17 against Colombia and Argentina in the last FIFA window.

The Copa América will be played from June 20 to July 14; the problem for Madrid was due to come shortly after, at the Olympic Games. The Paris event, for football, starts on July 24 and ends on August 9 coinciding with the entire Los Blancos pre-season and almost steps on the toes of the start of the league, which is expected around August 17.

Endrick turns 18 on July 21 and as of then his signing for the club will become official. The young Brazilian is very excited about his next stage and will prioritise pre-season with the rest of his new teammates, with the hope of make an impact from the beginning. Now, after a short break, he will rejoin Palmeiras, where he is an idol after having made history by winning two consecutive Brasileirão titles under the age of 18.