Carlo Ancelotti Reveals What Makes Brazilian Wonderkids Endrick and Estevao So Special After Their Stunning Breakthroughs

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised both Real Madrid forward Endrick and Chelsea winger Estêvão as future superstars, acknowledging that the latter has been given a chance to develop into an elite player in the coming years.

The pair, who previously played together at Brazilian club Palmeiras, have both secured major moves to European football in recent times. Madrid finalized a deal worth up to €60 million (£51.9 million, $70.6 million) to sign Endrick in summer 2024, while Estêvão joined Chelsea this year for a similar transfer fee.

Both Endrick and Estêvão are recognized as emerging talents and pillars of Brazilian football for at least the next ten years. Ancelotti, who coached Endrick during his time at Madrid, holds great expectations for these young prospects.

"I have great admiration for Estêvão, he's youthful, possesses personality and character," Ancelotti shared with ESPN. "He's made a strong start in the Premier League. Clearly Estêvão, not just for this World Cup, but for the national team's future, will be an extremely significant player."

While Estêvão has quickly become a crucial figure for Chelsea, adapting to European football has proven more challenging for Endrick, who joined Madrid in the same window as superstar Kylian Mbappé.

Playing time has, unsurprisingly, been limited for Endrick. The teenager has started only three La Liga matches and one Champions League fixture, with Ancelotti acknowledging that the intense competition has created challenges for Endrick.

"Well, Endrick is similar to Estêvão," Ancelotti explained. "He possesses tremendous talent. I believe Estêvão was fortunate.

"The challenge for young players moving to Europe is that they hold starring roles here [in Brazil], but lack that prominence there. I managed Endrick for a season and genuinely appreciated him both personally and professionally.

"Naturally, he didn't perform to his full potential, because Real Madrid featured Rodrygo, Vini... The competition within a top club is intense, and this can somewhat hinder a player's development."