The reasons why Endrick hasn’t played a single minute for Real Madrid this season have come to light, as manager Xabi Alonso has issued a warning to the Brazilian wonderkid. He may still be just 19, but many expected the winger - who announced himself to the world in March 2024 by scoring his first international goal against England at Wembley Stadium - to be a more prominent figure than he currently is.
Endrick broke scoring records as a youngster at Palmeiras - one of the world’s best academies, which has also produced players like Chelsea’s Estevao - and caught Real Madrid’s eye at just 14. However, the usual pathway for a Brazilian joining Los Blancos hasn’t been as smooth for Endrick as it was for Vinicius Jr. or Rodrygo, who both made an almost immediate impact and remain mainstays in a squad currently gunning for a trophy-laden campaign.
Last season, then-boss Carlo Ancelotti gave Endrick 37 appearances, and he repaid the faith with seven goals - a scoring rate of a goal every 120 minutes, suggesting great things to come. Yet, so far, Endrick has struggled to convince Alonso, and he has now not had a sniff of first-team football since May.
Xabi Alonso Addresses Endrick's Limited Playing Time
Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid's expected answer to Lamine Yamal was once again an unused substitute as they beat Juventus 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night, prolonging Endrick's wait for a first appearance in any competition under the new coach.
Speaking directly on Endrick's situation, Alonso acknowledged the forward's desire to play but pointed to the intense competition for places at the Bernabeu. The manager stressed that the teenager must be ready to seize his opportunity when it eventually arrives. "It's clear everyone wants to play. And a young player even more so," Alonso said to TNT Sports Brasil, as per GOAL.
"Given the context, we want to compete right now, and it's difficult depending on the match. He has to be patient, be prepared, and know that he's at Real Madrid. His time will come."
The competition for places has been unforgiving for the young centre-forward. Real Madrid boast a near-perfect record, with 24 points from 11 league games, sitting atop La Liga and leaving little room for rotation in high-stakes matches. On the continent, they have also made a winning start in the Champions League, securing three victories from three games.
While Alonso's comments don't do justice to how much the situation is affecting the teenage sensation, frustrations reached boiling point a few days ago against Getafe, when Endrick had warmed up extensively but was ultimately not used. Frustrated, he reacted petulantly on the touchline, kicking a water bottle as he returned to the dugout.
Why Endrick Has Stalled - and What Comes Next
Endrick celebrates for Brazil
Endrick celebrates for Brazil
Endrick’s five-month absence has largely been due to a hamstring injury that ruled him out of last summer’s Club World Cup. It was at that tournament that things worsened for the Brazilian, as it became apparent he is not the only young talent ready to carry the torch for the next Galactico generation.
Real Madrid youth-team player Gonzalo Garcia featured in six games - the 21-year-old scored four goals and provided one assist - convincing new coach Xabi Alonso that he, rather than Endrick, should serve as back-up for Kylian Mbappe, according to the Daily Mail. With so many stars vying for positions at the Bernabeu, the next step for Endrick appears to be a temporary move away, though the plan is certainly not for him to leave permanently.
According to Yahoo Sports, citing ESPN Brasil, Alonso has agreed to let Endrick leave Real Madrid on a loan deal this winter. The club is searching for a team where the 19-year-old Brazilian can get more regular playing time, though it's suggested that the teenager will have a big say in where he ends up plying his trade as he looks to continue his development.
Endrick
Several clubs have expressed interest in Endrick, including Marseille, Juventus, West Ham, Real Sociedad, and Manchester United. Moving outside the club’s bubble and the ultra-protective environment of the Valdebebas training ground is generally considered risky for young players who have relocated continents to join Spain’s top teams.
In Endrick’s case, however, it could offer a make-or-break opportunity to finally live up to the Ballon d'Or-winning potential everyone has envisioned, as well as provide him with the playing time needed in order to make a case for him joining the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup next summer.