Brazil’s young talent Endrick stole the show during the international friendly between Brazil and Spain, which ended in a 3-3 draw on Tuesday, March 26.
The match, known as “One Skin,” was organized to raise awareness about racism following insults directed at Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.
Endrick, who recently scored his debut goal against England on Saturday, March 23 found the back of the net once again against Spain, this time securing a 2-2 equalizer.
The 17-year-old displayed his skills with a well-taken shot just five minutes after coming on as a substitute at the Bernabeu.
The match was tied at 2-2 for most of the second half until a late penalty by Dani Carvajal gave Spain the lead, with Rodri converting the spot kick before Paquetá converted from 12 yards on the other end to make it 3-3.
Meanwhile, Endrick’s impressive performance further solidified his status as a rising star set to join Real Madrid.
The 17-year-old star, who will be joining Real Madrid this summer, seems to be settling in well in professional football.
With the potential of a star-studded Brazilian attack featuring Vinicius Jr, Endrick, and Rodrygo, the future looks bright for Real Madrid.
Who is Endrick?
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, better known as Endrick, was born on 21 July 2006 in Brazil.
He currently plays as a forward for Palmeiras in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and the Brazil national team. Endrick is set to transfer to Real Madrid in La Liga in July 2024.
Endrick’s family and background
Endrick was born into a poor family in Taguatinga, Federal District, along with one brother and two sisters.
He began playing football at the age of four, and his father posted videos of his goals on YouTube in hopes of catching the attention of large Brazilian clubs.
Endrick made a promise to himself to become a professional footballer to support his family, who were struggling to make ends meet.
By the age of eight, he attended a training camp organized by Real Madrid in Águas Claras, where he trained alongside his friends.
Endrick’s admiration for Real Madrid and his idolization of Ronaldo Nazario began at a young age. Despite facing instances of racism while growing up, Endrick remained determined to pursue his dream of becoming a successful footballer and his determination has paid off.
His club career
At the age of 11, Endrick opted to join the Palmeiras youth team instead of São Paulo. His standout performance in the 2022 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, where he scored eight goals in seven matches, earned him the Player of the Tournament award and led Palmeiras to victory.
Endrick made history as the youngest player to debut for the Palmeiras senior team at the age of 16 years, two months, and 16 days. His talent was recognized globally when he was named by The Guardian as one of the best footballing talents born in 2006.
In December 2023, Endrick helped secure his second consecutive league title for Palmeiras by scoring a crucial goal in a match against Cruzeiro.
He finished the season with eleven goals, the second highest (after Ronaldo Nazario) scored in a Serie A season by an under-18 player.
Endrick’s stats with Brazil
Endrick received his first call-up to the Brazilian national under-17 team on 18 March 2022 for the Montaigu Tournament in France.
He excelled in the tournament, scoring five goals in four matches, including one in the final against Argentina. Endrick was crowned the tournament’s top scorer and best player, leading Brazil to their first Montaigu Tournament title since 1984.
On 6 November 2023, Endrick was called up to the Brazil national team for the first time to play in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
He made history by becoming the youngest male player to receive a senior call-up since Ronaldo in 1994. Endrick also made his debut against Colombia, becoming the fourth youngest player in Brazilian history and the youngest in 57 years to make his senior debut.
The 17-year-old scored the winning goal against England before making waves with his dazzling goal against Spain on Tuesday, March 26.
His contract with Real Madrid
Real Madrid announced on 15 December 2022 that they had agreed with Palmeiras, Endrick, and his family to sign him once he reaches 18 years old in July 2024.
The exact signing fee was not disclosed by the clubs, but it was believed to be a three-year deal worth €60 million plus €12 million in taxes.
Other sources stated that the fee was €35 million upfront, with an additional €25 million dependent on meeting certain sporting goals.
His salary and net worth
The Brazilian teenager holds a projected net worth of $13 million. However, it is expected to skyrocket upon his arrival in Spain. His market value, estimated at $49 million by Transfermarkt, is poised to surge too.
Endrick is set to earn a substantial $2.2 million per year gross with his deal with Real Madrid.
How good is the Brazilian youngster?
Endrick is lauded as one of Brazil’s top football prospects, frequently compared to iconic Brazilian strikers such as Ronaldo, Pelé, and Romário.
Following Brazil’s exciting 3-3 draw with Spain at the Bernabeu, national team coach Dorival Junior commended Endrick for his impressive display as a substitute.
In a press conference after the game, Dorival Junior praised Endrick’s potential and impact on the field, noting his crucial role in the previous Brazilian championship where he consistently delivered exceptional performances.
The coach highlighted Endrick’s unique qualities, including his skillful ball control, strategic positioning, agility, and flair in the attacking zone.
Dorival also expressed the importance of nurturing Endrick’s talent to ensure his availability during crucial moments, emphasizing the need for him to continue making decisive contributions.
Dorival Junior said: “He is a kid who is very promising.”
“He has been increasing his level for a long time. He was the protagonist of the final moments of the Brazilian championship last year, playing decisive and brilliant games. We have to take care of him so that we have him on the field in the most important moments and that it continues to be decisive as he has been.”
His relationship status
The Real Madrid-bound has been making rounds on the internet following his dazzling skills and finish on the pitch. But there’s more to life than stats and titles.
Kendrick is currently dating a social media influencer, Gabriely Miranda.
It was rumored that Endrick fell in love with the blonde during one of his interviews.
Gabriely is a model and a social media influencer with over 100,000 followers on her Instagram.
She is 3 years older than the footballer, by the way.
It should be noted that the duo had kept their relationship quiet for a while, but have recently made it official by sharing joint snaps on Instagram.
However, there has been uproar from fans over his relationship with Gabriely with some claiming that he’s too young to be in an amorous relationship as that could distract him from football.
Others argue that as a professional athlete, he should be allowed to have a personal life and that his relationship status should not impact his performance on the field.
Ultimately, it seems that opinions on the matter are divided among fans and only time will tell if his romance will indeed have any effect on his football career.
Next summer, the Brazilian youngster is heading to Madrid and is likely to bring Gabriely with him.
What’s your take on Endrick’s rise in his footballing career and his relationship with Gabriely?
