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Just a few years back, Endrick was being hailed as the next Pelé. Today, he finds himself battling for playing time at Real Madrid after two largely disappointing seasons.
The Brazilian touched down in the Spanish capital during the summer of 2024, officially signing with the club upon turning 18 after committing his future to the Bernabéu at just 16. Expectations were enormous for the forward, fueled by the success his fellow Brazilians Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo had brought to the side.
What began as an encouraging debut campaign quickly unraveled as the season wore on, particularly as then-manager Carlo Ancelotti consistently favored experienced players over the youngsters he kept glued to the bench. Endrick had hoped for a fresh start in 2025–26, but an injury ruled him out of the Club World Cup, and new head coach Xabi Alonso opted for Gonzalo García instead.
By the time winter arrived, Endrick had managed just three appearances. The youngster subsequently joined Lyon and reminded everyone why he had been so highly regarded. He racked up 16 goal contributions across 21 outings and returned to the Bernabéu ready to assert himself as Kylian Mbappé's deputy, with the path seemingly clear after Gonzalo moved to Fulham.
However, Real Madrid, now operating under José Mourinho, brought in natural No. 9 Carlos Espí during the summer. Once again, Endrick found himself staring down the prospect of scrapping for limited playing time.
Several potential suitors emerged looking to land the 20-year-old on loan, with Aston Villa at the front of the queue, but Endrick reportedly chose to remain with Los Blancos. The question is: was it the right call?
The Pros of Endrick Staying at the Bernabeu
Endrick enters the 2026–27 campaign in excellent form. Over the past eight months, the striker dazzled in Ligue 1, represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, and has already found the net during Real Madrid's preseason.
Since Mourinho took the reins, Endrick has started two of the club's three preseason matches, only missing the Leganés fixture because he hadn't yet rejoined the squad. He is already making an impression on the Portuguese manager, who reportedly pushed for the youngster to stay in the Spanish capital.
Despite Espí's addition, Endrick is well-placed to serve as Mbappé's primary backup, and he can also accumulate minutes if Mourinho calls upon him on the right flank. The opportunity is there for the Brazilian to develop his game, whether coming off the bench in Champions League ties or starting Copa del Rey matches—and he can finally do so wearing Real Madrid's number nine on his back.
Los Blancos also benefit from having a match-winner in their squad, a player capable of conjuring something special with his left foot from virtually nothing. Endrick also possesses explosive pace, able to punish even elite defenses on the counter.
For a side that struggled to find consistent goals last season, having a player of Endrick's caliber available is nothing but an asset for Los Blancos.
The Cons of Endrick Staying at the Bernabéu
While the opportunity exists for Endrick to finally make his mark in a white shirt, there is also a real danger of him enduring a third consecutive underwhelming season—and it may not even be down to him. Should Mourinho decide that a player of Espí's build is better suited as his backup striker, Endrick could once again find himself warming the bench.
After all, Espí's aerial ability and knack for scoring headers make him an ideal option for set-piece situations when Real Madrid need a late goal. It would be entirely logical for Mourinho to turn to the former Levante man rather than Endrick in those circumstances.
It may not seem catastrophic on the surface, but every minute matters for a player already waiting behind Mbappé, who will start the vast majority of matches for the Spanish giants. Being overlooked, regardless of the reasoning, could set Endrick on a dangerous downward spiral.
Questions also remain over the Brazilian's physicality. Endrick previously struggled in La Liga, being roughed up by bigger, more physical opponents determined to unsettle the slight striker. His stature makes him a target, and he never convincingly demonstrated he can handle that kind of treatment.
Endrick had far more freedom in France, operating against defenses of a lower standard than those he'll face in the Spanish top flight. If he struggles once more and fails to deliver, Mourinho won't hesitate to drop him—a potentially crushing blow for the 20-year-old.
Are Endrick, Real Madrid Making the Right Decision?
Despite the ways things could go sideways, Endrick remaining at Real Madrid is ultimately a positive outcome for both player and club. Departing the Spanish capital at the very moment he finally has a manager who believes in him would simply work against everything he is trying to accomplish.
Should things go badly wrong as they did in the first half of last season, Endrick always has the option of heading out on loan in January—a move the club would undoubtedly back if the striker isn't getting sufficient minutes.
Los Blancos must finally fulfill their responsibility in nurturing the young talent, who can bring clinical finishing and energy to an attack that disappointed far too frequently over the past two campaigns. Endrick will be even more valuable should new signing Yan Diomande take time to find his feet.
Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior have repeatedly shown they can only carry the team so far; at times, someone else needs to step up, and Endrick is ideally placed to do so. His presence would also allow the Frenchman some much-needed rest, preventing him from racking up excessive minutes and risking injury as he did in 2025–26.
Make no mistake, this season could be defining for Endrick—but he deserves the opportunity to shape his own destiny at Real Madrid.