SOCCER
Endrick finds form again: Brazilian scores for Palmeiras in Paulista final second leg, copies Vinicius celebration
The Brazilian has come under a lot of pressure in recent weeks but has finally returned to form, scoring in the Paulista final second leg.
Palmeiras forward Endrick scored the third goal in a 4-0 win for Palmeiras in the second leg of the Paulista final, as the forward finally found form after a tough period in which the attention of the world media has focused upon him. The player, who is still just 16-years-old, will join Real Madrid in two years when he turns 18.
The forward chose to celebrate the goal in style, copying compatriot Vinicius Júnior’s celebration after he scored in Real Madrid’s 2-3 LaLiga Santander defeat to Villarreal CF at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Palmeiras striker Rony saw his shot saved by Água Santa goalkeeper Oliveira Lima and Endrick was the first to pounce, tapping in the rebound as the three-time Copa Libertadores champions raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time in the final staged in São Paulo. He got the equaliser in the first leg of the final and in the second he won Palmeiras a free kick from which they scored.
‘When I see something about me, I move on’
Endrick has come under criticism from the media, and recently hit back in an interview with GQ in Brazil: “I used to be aware of what people were saying about me. But not anymore,” Endrick said. “I like TikTok, but when I see something about me, I move on quickly.
“Recently a story came out saying that I was in therapy, but that’s a lie. The press don’t know what’s happening, and they publish it. But I can’t do anything. If I come out and contradict everything they say, I’d spend all my time doing it.”
Endrick became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history after he made his debut at just 16 in October 2022. His move to Real Madrid was confirmed in December of the same year. Various European teams such as FC Barcelona and PSG were also interested in the player, but Real Madrid moved quickest to secure the signature of one of football’s hottest prospects.
