Remarkable 17-year-old Talent, Endrick, Secures Brazil National Team Call-up on Path to Real Madrid
Real Madrid-bound prodigy Endrick, aged 17, achieves a remarkable feat by receiving a prestigious call-up to the Brazil men's national team
17-year-old prodigy, Endrick, who is set to join Real Madrid, has received a significant invitation to join the prestigious Brazil men's national team. Fernando Diniz, the interim coach of Canarinha, unveiled his squad on Monday for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier, including the debut of the talented and inexperienced Endrick.
In doing so, the Palmeiras breakout star has now become the youngest player to receive a senior Seleção call-up since the legendary striker Ronaldo Nazario in 1994. Ronaldo, also known as O Fenômeno, is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, having won the World Cup twice with Brazil.
"He possesses the potential to become one of those exceptional talents. Whether or not this potential will be realized remains uncertain," Diniz stated during the press conference. "[The call-up] is not a burden but rather a well-deserved recognition and a glimpse into the future of what this young player can achieve."
A boy born in 2006 catches my attention with his remarkable accomplishments. Currently, he is shining bright while competing against top teams in Brazil. In December of last year, renowned Spanish club Real Madrid announced their agreement with Endrick, stating that he will be joining the team in July 2024 when he reaches the age of 18. This deal is valued at €70 million ($74.77 million).
The
prodigy made his debut at Palmeiras, a Brazilian side, with just 307 senior minutes of play before securing a move to Real Madrid. While awaiting his transfer to Spain, he has remained loyal to the São Paulo-based club, showcasing his talent.
Endrick runs with the ball against Corinthians.
Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images
Ronaldo praised Endrick during last year's World Cup in Qatar, even suggesting that he could have been included in the tournament for the sake of gaining experience. "I recommended bringing a young player like Endrick to the World Cup, as it would have a significant impact on his life, much like it did for me when I was chosen in 1994," said the former Real Madrid star.
Endrick, at a young age, accomplished an impressive feat by making his debut and scoring for Palmeiras, solidifying his position as the sole player in the club's history to have won trophies at all age levels. His exceptional performance in recent matches led to his well-deserved inclusion in the team, as he triumphed with three goals in his last two games. With an impressive record of 14 goals in 54 appearances for the Verdão, Endrick continues to showcase his remarkable talent.
Endrick and three other players, João Pedro, Paulinho, and Pepê, have been chosen for the first time to be part of the Brazil men's squad. Brazil's upcoming matches include an away game against Colombia in Baranquilla on November 16, followed by a home match against world champion Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro five days later.
The Seleção is currently in third place in the South American qualifying stage with seven points from four games. The top six teams will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team that finishes in seventh place will have to go through a play-off in order to secure a spot in the prestigious international soccer tournament.
Unfortunately, Brazil will be without their captain and all-time leading goalscorer, Neymar, as he suffered an ACL tear in October. Additionally, the team will also be missing the injured Éder Militão and Casemiro.
