Soon-to-be Real Madrid forward Endrick has been called up to the Brazil national team for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualification matches.
The 17-year-old becomes the youngest player to be invited to the senior national team since Ronaldo Nazario in 1993, who was also aged 17 when he was called up.
Endrick will join Real Madrid in July 2024, having signed a three-year deal with the club in December 2022.
The attacker, who currently plays for Palmeiras, will be part of Brazil’s squad for their World Cup qualification games against Columbia and Argentina on November 17 and 22 respectively.
Endrick called up for Brazil national team next international matches
He was selected for the upcoming matches due to his outstanding performances with Palmeiras.
Endrick has made 54 appearances for the Brazilian club, scoring 14 goals and providing 2 assists across all competitions.
The 17-year-old has such a deadeye for goal, and his ability to combine his physicality with his trickery is second to none at his age.
The head coach of the Brazil national team also revealed the reason for Endrick’s inclusion in the squad and he made it known that it was due to the player’s amazing performances.
Caretaker boss Fernando Diniz said: “Endrick has the potential to be a top player. His call-up is an award and also a glimpse into the future of what this boy can be. A boy born in 2006 producing what he does catches my attention”.
Brazil 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Brazil sit 3rd on the 2026 World Cup qualification table, with 7 points from 4 matches, having won 2 games, drawn 1, and lost 1.
They still have over a dozen matches to play in the qualifiers, including games against; Uruguay (2nd leg), and Argentina (1st and 2nd leg), amongst others.
The Selecao Canarinha are one of the favorites to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by the United States Of America, Mexico, and Canada.
Brazil last won the tournament in 2002, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final of the first World Cup that was hosted by two nations – Korea and Japan.
They are the most successful national team at the Mundial, with 5 FIFA World Cup titles to their name.
The nation that prides themselves on being the originator of the “jogo bonito” (The Beautiful Game”, have paraded legendary names over the years including; Pele, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo De Lima, and Garrincha, amongst others.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be hoping that Endrick can hit the ground running when he joins the club fully ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Los Blancos are currently battling strikers issue, as they have to rely majorly on goals from midfielders and wingers.
It will be difficult for the 17-year-old to slot in seamlessly into European football, but he certainly has the qualities needed to become one of the best in the coming years.
