Endrick, the 17-year-old forward, faced difficulties during Brazil’s 2024 Copa América in the United States. His limited minutes in the group stage were unremarkable, and Brazil’s flat performance didn’t help. With only a brief cameo against Colombia and a disappointing quarter-final against Uruguay, it’s clear: Endrick’s first major tournament didn’t go as planned.
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Lack of play
Critics might argue that his lack of impact is a red flag. Yet, this overlooks the critical context—his age and the immense pressure of such a high-profile role. Dorival himself noted, “We must be careful with Endrick…he’s extremely skillful, and it will happen naturally.”
In December 2022, Real Madrid saw enough to secure his signature for €60 million, fighting off PSG and other top clubs. Real Madrid fans, naturally excited about his impending arrival, might feel uneasy about his Copa performance.
🇧🇷 Endrick becomes the second youngest player in Brazil history to score 3 goals with the national team… only behind the legend Pelé.
3 games for Brazil, 3 goals scored, 2 game winners. pic.twitter.com/xpFeMasz8j
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2024
However, remember that Endrick is still transitioning. The bright lights of Santiago Bernabeu and La Liga demand patience; he’s not yet a finished product, and Madrid knows it.
In practical terms, Endrick will not be thrown into the starting lineup immediately. With competition from teammates like Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and new signing, Kylian Mbappe, he’s expected to play a supporting role initially.
Madrid’s management should view this as a minor setback in a long-term investment. With his raw talent and proven track record at the club level, Endrick will grow. Real Madrid has a history of nurturing young talent into world-class stars, and there’s every reason to believe the Brazilian could be next.
Real Madrid’s investment in Endrick is based on potential, not immediate impact. As he prepares for his unveiling and the upcoming season, the focus should be on gradual development into one of the world’s most formidable squads. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are football legends.
