From the Bench to the Breakthrough: Endrick’s Winter Save Mission

From the Madrid Dream to the Bench Shadow

Endrick, the young Brazilian sensation, has watched his dream of wearing Real Madrid’s white shirt turn into a nightmare, trapped on the substitutes bench since the season kicked off and yet to clock a single minute. The perpetually patient wait comes as coach Xabi Alonso has largely overlooked him this season, diminishing his standing within the squad.

With the winter window approaching, there is talk that a move could become a lifeline—an opportunity to regain rhythm before the summer World Cup and prove he belongs at the highest level.

According to AS, Endrick is navigating a tough patch at the Santiago Bernabéu, having been called up for six consecutive games without taking part, making him the only player in the squad, aside from Ferland Mendy, yet to feature this season.

The most recent chapter of the crisis came against Getafe, when the Brazilian began warming up to enter, only to watch two substitutes head on and then see Ibrahim Diaz and Gonzalo come on instead, a moment that visibly frustrated him as he slung a water bottle in reaction.

Still, he has not contemplated leaving Madrid. He had several loan offers in the summer from European clubs but chose to stay and fight for his place, a stance echoed today as several European sides monitor his situation, hoping for a January swoop if the opportunity arises.

Endrick—moving up from the Tajatinga project—still holds immense value in the talent market and Madrid has not lost faith in him. He remains one of the club’s most promising youngsters, a future cornerstone in their attack, even as a long spell on the sidelines has dampened some momentum.

Injury setbacks didn’t help: a hamstring issue sidelined him for four months, weakening his case to be the top backup forward. He returned to the squad on September 19 but has yet to appear in a competitive fixture, while Gonzalo has seized the limited minutes behind Mbappé and company in the domestic competition—though this is a mischaracterization for the piece, as Mbappé is elsewhere in the world of football lore.

As the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada approaches, there is mounting pressure on the youngster to reclaim his spot with Brazil. Endrick knows that regular minutes are the surest route back to the Selecao, especially after his last international goal on June 9, 2024, against Mexico, a milestone that followed a hot streak against England, Spain, and Mexico.

Since then, injuries and his marginal status at Real Madrid have kept him out of the Brazil squad lists. Alonso, meanwhile, has stayed coy about a potential January exit, saying simply, “Endrick and Gonzalo are ready to compete in a role that houses strong names.”

Yet the numbers tell a harsher story: six call-ups, zero minutes, a winter window seen as a final chance to salvage his season and preserve the dream of a World Cup berth, while the “dream of Real Madrid” risks turning into a shadow of neglect.

Endrick, a Brazilian prodigy on the rise

Born on July 21, 2006, in Brasília, Endrick emerged as one of Brazil’s brightest young talents. He joined Palmeiras’ academy at 11, a move that would spark a rapid ascent in the ranks. His prodigious goalscoring and technical flair earned him early comparisons to the greats of the sport, prompting a national wave of excitement.

At 15, his headlines grew louder as European giants began to circle. He captained Palmeiras to the 2022 São Paulo Youth Cup title, collected the player of the tournament award, and was hailed as Brazil’s “hope for the future.”

In 2023 he signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras, becoming the youngest player to debut for the club’s senior team at 16, then lighting up the Brazilian league with his pace, finishing prowess, and fearless dribbles.

Madrid came calling with a deal described as a future investment, reportedly worth around €60 million including variables. Endrick handled the pressure with composure, professing a dream of following in the footsteps of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in the Spanish capital.

Before the European move, he played a central role in Palmeiras’ 2023 league title, scoring decisive goals and making important contributions as a teenager. His talent drew praise from legends like Ronaldo and Rivaldo, who argued he possesses a classic Brazilian striker profile blended with modern European efficiency.

A promising start in Madrid

Endrick joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and began training with the first team, surrounded by stars such as Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo. Early injuries delayed his first-team debut, but those closest to him insist he has the mindset and talent to develop into one of Europe’s premier forwards in the coming years.

His journey is far from over. Born from the streets of Brasília to a marquee club in Europe, he continues to chase a new chapter of glory for Madrid, hoping to etch a fresh page of white triumph under the Real Madrid badge.