Endrick, the highly rated Brazilian teenager, is facing a crucial moment in his young career at Real Madrid. His Copa del Rey tie against Minera, a fourth-tier side in Spain’s football pyramid, could be make or break for the 18-year-old forward, whose time at the club has thus far been far from smooth. Despite arriving with great fanfare from Palmeiras in the summer, Endrick has struggled to find consistent minutes, and this upcoming match may be his last real opportunity to impress coach Carlo Ancelotti and secure a place in the first-team rotation.
The Promising Start to Endrick’s Real Madrid Journey
Endrick’s arrival at Real Madrid was hailed as a major coup for the Spanish giants. The club secured the teenage talent for a reported €35 million in 2022, even though he was only 16 years old at the time. This type of deal mirrored the arrivals of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, who also joined Madrid at a young age, with the promise of developing into key players for the future. Madrid’s decision to sign Endrick was part of a long-term strategy to build a squad full of exciting young talents capable of dominating European football for years to come.
The Brazilian forward made his La Liga debut in August 2024, and he wasted no time in making an impact. In just his fourth-minute cameo against Real Valladolid, Endrick managed to score a goal, an impressive start that sparked optimism about his potential at the club. This early goal on his debut was a clear sign of the talent he possesses and why Real Madrid invested heavily in his services.
Endrick followed up his La Liga debut by making his Champions League debut in September against Stuttgart, where he scored again. However, despite these bright beginnings, things have taken a downturn for the teenager. His appearances in the first team have been few and far between, and he has found himself relegated to the bench in most La Liga and Champions League matches since.
The Struggles: Limited Opportunities and Lack of Game Time
As of now, Endrick has only started once for Real Madrid, and his total La Liga minutes since the end of September amount to a mere 42 minutes. This lack of game time has been one of the most concerning aspects of his early period at the club. Despite the promise he showed in his debut appearances, Ancelotti has not given him the trust to feature regularly in his starting XI. This situation has left many wondering whether Endrick will ever be able to make the leap from promising talent to first-team regular at such a high-profile club like Real Madrid.
More worrying is the fact that Endrick didn’t even make it off the bench in key matches against Sevilla and Valencia, as well as in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final. These are precisely the types of games where young players often get their chances to prove themselves, especially against teams that are theoretically lower in quality. Yet, despite this, Ancelotti did not consider Endrick an option in these fixtures, indicating that his place in the squad is increasingly uncertain.
This lack of minutes has led to growing speculation about the future of the teenager at Madrid, and the upcoming Copa del Rey match against Minera could be a defining moment for Endrick’s future at the club.
A Make-or-Break Opportunity in the Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey match against Minera, a team three divisions below Real Madrid in Spain’s football hierarchy, represents a potential turning point for Endrick. With the team facing a much weaker opponent, this competition typically offers an opportunity for reserve players and young prospects to showcase their talents and earn more minutes with the first team.
However, the pressure is on Endrick. Carlo Ancelotti has yet to confirm whether the young Brazilian will feature in the starting lineup against Minera. This uncertainty raises further concerns about the teenager’s place in the squad. If Endrick fails to secure a starting spot or doesn’t feature at all in this game, it could signal that his time at the club is running out. For a player of his potential and talent, sitting out an easy Copa del Rey match would be incredibly damaging to his prospects of breaking into the first team regularly.
Even if Endrick does start against Minera, the pressure remains high. His performance in such a match will likely have significant consequences. A poor performance, especially against a lower-league team, could lead to further doubts about his readiness for the demands of playing at a club like Real Madrid. On the other hand, if he delivers an impressive performance and showcases his abilities, he could push for more regular appearances in the weeks that follow.
Endrick’s Current Status in the Squad
At present, Endrick finds himself behind several other attacking players in the pecking order. He is typically seen as below Brahim Díaz and Arda Güler when it comes to playing time. These players have been preferred by Ancelotti in recent matches, and it has been hard for Endrick to break into the starting XI as a result. The competition for places in Madrid’s attacking setup is fierce, especially with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham also providing offensive options. With the squad full of attacking talent, Endrick’s opportunities are limited, and he needs to make the most of whatever chances he gets.
AS reports that so far, Real Madrid has not been considering a loan move for Endrick during the January transfer window. Despite his limited game time, the club has reportedly felt that loaning him out would not be the best solution, given the thin nature of their squad. With injuries and suspensions being a constant factor in a long season, the club may feel it’s better to keep the teenager close to the first team, rather than sending him out to gain experience elsewhere.
Still, the lack of game time in Madrid’s squad means Endrick could benefit from a temporary move to a club where he would play regularly. However, if he cannot impress during opportunities like the Copa del Rey, the club may rethink their stance and consider a loan move for the second half of the season, especially if they don’t want his development to stall.
The Background: Endrick’s Success at Palmeiras
Before joining Real Madrid, Endrick was one of Brazil’s most promising young talents. He enjoyed a stellar run at Palmeiras, scoring consistently and impressing with his technique, movement, and composure in front of goal. In the 2023 season, he made a significant mark in both domestic and international competitions, showcasing his potential as one of the next big stars in Brazilian football.
His performances for Brazil at youth level also turned heads, including his record-breaking goals against England and Spain in international youth tournaments. However, his time at Palmeiras wasn’t without setbacks. He had a disappointing Copa América campaign, and in a particularly forgettable appearance against Uruguay, Endrick was unable to make an impact, with his only successful pass being the initial kick-off in a 90-minute match.
Despite this, his performances for Palmeiras were generally positive, and his arrival at Real Madrid was anticipated with great excitement. But the transition to Europe has proven more difficult than many expected, and Endrick’s struggles to break into Madrid’s star-studded first team have left many questioning whether the hype surrounding him was premature.
Real Madrid’s Long-Term Vision
Real Madrid’s strategy with young players like Endrick is clear: they want to develop talent and integrate them into the first team gradually. The club’s recent history with players like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo shows that they are willing to be patient and give young talents the time to grow. However, the pressure at a club like Real Madrid is immense, and players are expected to deliver sooner rather than later. The upcoming Copa del Rey tie against Minera may be Endrick’s last chance to prove he has what it takes to succeed at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Conclusion: Is This Endrick’s Last Chance?
Endrick finds himself at a crossroads in his young career at Real Madrid. With limited minutes in La Liga and the Champions League, the Copa del Rey match against Minera may be his best opportunity to impress Carlo Ancelotti and secure a spot in the first-team rotation. If he fails to deliver, it could spell the end of his immediate future at Madrid, leaving the club to reassess his place in the squad. However, if he takes this opportunity to show his potential, he could still have a bright future at one of the biggest clubs in the world. The coming weeks will be crucial for the young Brazilian, as he fights to prove he belongs in the Real Madrid first team.
