SOCCER
Late Endrick goal beats Mexico: How many Brazil goals has he scored?
The Real Madrid-bound starlet rescued the day for the Brazilian national team and strengthened his claim for a place in the Copa América starting XI.
Brazil and Mexico played out a thrilling pre-tournament friendly ahead of this summer’s Copa America. The Brazilians took a two-goal lead and Mexico fought back to level it late on, but young sensation Endrick had the final say with a dramatic winner.
In the sixth minute of added time Endrick leapt highest in the box to nod home a cross from Vinicius Junior, who will soon be his Real Madrid teammate. Endrick, still only 17 years old, came on as a second half substitute and he impressed during his 30 minutes on the field, coming close to a goal within minutes of his introduction.
Saturday’s dramatic winner continues Endrick’s incredible record at international level. Earlier this year he scored the only goal of the game as Brazil beat England at Wembley Stadium and followed that up with another goal against Spain in Madrid. He’s now scored three goals for the senior national team and is yet to appear for more than 45 minutes in any game.
Without a reliable senior option to lead the line at this summer’s Copa América, Endrick could force his way into head coach Dorival Junior’s starting XI for Brazil’s tournament opener against Costa Rica.
When will Endrick join Real Madrid?
In December 2022 the LaLiga giants committed an astonishing €35 million to secure the signing of Endrick, who was only 16 years old at the time. Madrid moved swiftly to sign the young forward who is rated as one of the top players of his generation.
However Endrick will only officially become a Real Madrid player this summer, after his 18th birthday on 21 July. Once he’s signed with the Spanish club he will be able to move across to Spain, although the club have not ruled out the possibility of a loan move in the first years to offer him greater first team opportunities.
Earlier this year AS spoke exclusively to Endrick and the Brazilian sensation revealed that he has been helped by Vinicius and teammate Rodrygo Goes ahead of the move to Madrid.
“It’s very good. They are young, also Brazilian, adapted very well both to the city and the club and to the way of playing in Spain,” he explained. “Their story, both Vini’s and Rodrygo’s, is an inspiration and they are going to help me a lot.”