Something’s up with Endrick at Real Madrid

The car stopped at the Valdebebas exit. Inside, Endrick, 18 years old, sat in the passenger seat, lowering the window to sign autographs for those gathered. Suddenly, a girl asked, “How are you, Endrick?” He replied, “Fine, and you?” She answered, “I’m fine. I can’t wait to see you play!” bringing a smile to the young Brazilian’s face.

Slowly, amid a thunderous silence, Endrick is fading from view. He started in Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Lille in early October’s Champions League match but hasn’t appeared in the white jersey since. The striker burst onto the scene with goals on his La Liga debut against Valladolid and in the Champions League against Stuttgart.

Yet, as time passes, he seems less central to Ancelotti’s plans as a potential spark for the attacking line. Since that fateful night in France—when he shone in an 18th-minute solo run stopped only by Chevalier and missed a chance to pass to Bellingham—Endrick has scarcely been seen.

In the four games Real Madrid has played since then, three in La Liga (against Villarreal, Celta, and Barcelona) and one Champions League comeback against Borussia, Endrick has warmed up on the sidelines but remained unused. His prior appearances, sometimes brief cameos aimed at running down the clock (like those against Betis and Real Sociedad), stand in stark contrast.

Before his first start, he had featured in 9 of 15 matches, excluding only the European Super Cup. His last Bernabéu appearance came in the thrilling 3-2 comeback over Alavés, marking his 100th professional match, in which he’d started 57 times and scored 26 goals. One of those goals etched his name into Real Madrid’s history as the youngest player to score in a Champions League game, surpassing Raúl.

Signed in December 2022 at just 16 for €35 million (with an additional €25 million possible if he meets various milestones like winning the Golden Boy award, making a certain number of starts, and achieving title wins), Real Madrid view him as Joselu’s future replacement—a forward to come off the bench and impact games when needed. Joselu scored 18 goals in 49 games last season, some crucial (including two against Bayern in the Champions League semi-finals).

This season is intended as an adjustment period for Endrick, adapting to European soccer and a high-stakes environment alongside stars like Vinicius, Mbappé, and Rodrygo. Endrick was clear about his approach on his presentation day: “I’m here to enjoy myself and focus on learning from these great players.” He avoided comments on his role, competition for starting spots, or the pressure that comes with the white jersey. But as Ancelotti clings to a core squad and resists changes, Endrick’s opportunities have dwindled.

The international break wasn’t favourable for him either. Traveling with the Brazilian team, he played just 26 minutes (14 against Chile and 12 against Peru) as Igor Jesús’ performance nudged him out of the lineup. Coach Dorival Júnior explained, “We’ve gained an important option inside by pushing Igor Jesús up. We need that to move the final line toward the goal.”

Early in the year, Endrick made his mark in London, scoring the winner against England at Wembley (1-0); in Madrid, netting for Brazil in a 3-3 draw at the Bernabéu; and in the U.S., where his header clinched a 2-3 win over Mexico in a friendly. These three goals were his calling card before officially joining Real Madrid.

As league competition resumes, Endrick’s return to the starting lineup seems unlikely. The ‘Endrick effect’ is gradually fading in the eyes of both Ancelotti and Dorival, despite his two impressive showings for Madrid and Brazil in 2024.

Still, he’s determined: he won’t seek a winter exit and accepts the challenge, knowing that consistent effort at Valdebebas will earn him minutes. With 12 shots on goal in 107 minutes of play, two goals, and a constant sense of danger whenever he’s near the area, Endrick is eager to step out of the shadows and contribute to Real Madrid once again.