It’s no secret that Brazil is a hotbed of footballers. A spectacle for the world and home to some of the greats of football’s past, offer and future.
From Ronaldo to Ronaldinho and from Neymar to Vinicius Junior, year after year, football’s most productive young talents burst onto the Brazilian scene, but who’s next on the endless list of emerging talent?
The heir to the throne might well go by the name Endrick. Though this bright young star still wears the green of Palmeiras in Brazil’s Serie A every week, it is only on a temporary basis. At the tender age of just 16 Endrick became the subject of a successful $40 million transfer bid from European Giants Real Madrid, and that figure could rise further to $70 million if all of the clauses in his contract are met.
Endrick’s deal with Madrid was closed in December 2022, but in reality his big move is still about a year away. It may not be until July 2024 that Endrick arrives in Madrid to become a permanent member of what is probably the biggest club in history. world football. Until then, the 17-year-old will continue his progression at Palmeiras.
Endrick is a left-footed striker who can play in the centre or on the wing. He’s fast, professional and demonstrates a superior footballing IQ and a point of maturity for such a young man. He has been considered a long-time star by many, and it goes without saying that if Real Madrid are spending millions on a teenager, he is ridiculously talented.
Real Madrid, as we all know, have their eye on a player from Brazil. They are used to bringing promising talents from the country, an extensive network of scouts, and of course; their pockets full. In recent years, Real have signed Rodrygo from Santos and Vinicius Junior from Flamengo; whether it’s for a moving payment on the order of $50 million. These efforts have proven to be very successful.
Vinicius Junior scored Real’s winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool in Paris. Now he is proving that he is one of the ten most productive talents in world football. Week after week. Rodrygo has also played his part in Real Madrid’s European dominance. He played a key role in the semi-final comeback against Manchester City that took Real Madrid to the final. One day, Endrick hopes to make an impact.
This remarkable ability is patiently controlled through Palmeiras, and to explain why as well. Endrick is still very young and has a lot to learn. At the moment he deserves to enjoy his football both technically and physically, without being mentally beaten up if possible, as he still has a lot to do in his career.
If things go as planned for Endrick, it’s possible he’ll play for Real Madrid in the Champions League as a teenager, and maybe soon after; for the Brazilian national team. Pressure and expectations will certainly fall on this young man in the years to come, but he has the ability and character to swim or sink.
Endrick plays football with a mischievous charm. He leaves defenders visibly furious at the point of no return, as he passes the ball over their heads and passes in front of them to retrieve it on the other side. Your feet are fast, but your brain works even faster.
Endrick is armed with all of the typical flicks and tricks one would imagine of a Brazilian forward, but he also has a stocky frame and a low centre of gravity that enables him to push past defenders much bigger than he is. His awareness of the game is excellent and in the box he knows how to be in the right place at the right time.
It is notable that the striker was born in 2006 and yet he is already scoring goals in the Copa Libertadores. With 7 goals in all competitions for Palmeiras this year, Endrick may be more clinical, but even the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi needed a few more years to regain a consistent goalscoring rhythm.
Endrick still has a year in Brazil to learn and grow. The bright lights and fame will follow, he will rise to the challenge.
Endrick drifts past David Luis of Flamengo