Real Madrid’s teenage forward Endrick has not played a competitive game in five months, with injuries and fierce competition slowing his progress at the Spanish giants.
The Brazilian’s move to Madrid was confirmed in December 2022 when he was just 16, but FIFA’s transfer rules meant he had to wait until July 2024 to officially join the club. Hailed as Brazil’s brightest talent since Neymar, Endrick was tipped for stardom upon arrival.
In his debut campaign, he made 37 appearances across all competitions but started only eight games, three of which were in La Liga. Despite limited minutes, he impressed in the Copa del Rey with five goals in four starts. However, his momentum was halted in May after suffering a hamstring injury against Sevilla, ruling him out of the Club World Cup.
While Endrick was sidelined, academy star Gonzalo Garcia seized the spotlight, scoring four goals in six games to win the tournament’s Golden Boot. The Brazilian then aggravated the same injury in preseason training, delaying his return further.
Now fully fit, Endrick has been in Real Madrid’s matchday squad since mid-September but has yet to feature under new manager Xabi Alonso. His absence has also cost him a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
With Kylian Mbappé and Garcia ahead in the pecking order, Endrick may consider a loan move in January to reignite his career.