Madrid, October 8, 2025 – Nothing seemed capable of spoiling Real Madrid’s perfect night. Under the floodlights at the Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos cruised to a 3–1 victory over Villarreal, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on the scoresheet. The crowd sang, the league table smiled on Madrid — another display of dominance from the capital’s unstoppable machine.
And yet, amid the celebration, one image cast a shadow over the evening: Endrick’s expression on the bench.
Hood up, eyes vacant, the 19-year-old Brazilian sat motionless, his gaze fixed on nothing. The television cameras caught him in the 67th minute — a silent picture that said everything. Something was clearly wrong.
Since the season began, Endrick has yet to play a single competitive minute — not in La Liga, not in the Champions League. Despite recovering fully from injury and assurances of a “progressive introduction” under Xabi Alonso, those promises have evaporated into empty words.
According to AS, Alonso has decided not to “rush” Endrick, believing that the youngster needs an extended adaptation phase before being trusted in Madrid’s high-pressure environment. But sources inside Valdebebas hint at a deeper tension. One insider confided quietly:
“Xabi questions his maturity. He wants to teach him patience. But Endrick feels they’re trying to break him.”
A Post-Match Clash
The tension burst into public view after the Villarreal match. During the post-game press conference, a Brazilian journalist asked directly:
“Why does Endrick never play — not even for a few minutes when the match is already decided?”
Visibly irritated, Alonso shot back:
“Endrick must understand that Real Madrid is not a school. You earn your place here — not through promises or the press.”
Within hours, his words were trending across social media. Then came the unexpected aftershock — a comment from Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick’s former mentor, who was contacted by La Sexta:
“It’s simple. Endrick isn’t your player, Xabi. He’s a Madrid player — and Madrid is a family. You don’t let a kid rot on the bench.”
A brief remark, but one that detonated like a bomb. Spanish media immediately interpreted it as a rift between two managerial philosophies — Alonso’s cold pragmatism versus Ancelotti’s human touch. Reports even suggest Florentino Pérez has called for an emergency meeting at Valdebebas, demanding clarity on the handling of his prized Brazilian signing.
Locker Room Unease
Inside the dressing room, the mood is tense. Vinícius, close to Endrick, reportedly tried to mediate, while Rodrygo, when pressed by reporters, only replied:
“It’s not our place to talk — but everyone can see what’s happening.”
Endrick left the stadium in silence, headphones on, eyes down. Later, he posted a single Instagram Story: a photo of himself training, with only an hourglass emoji ⏳. No caption — but the message was unmistakable: he’s waiting. Or perhaps, he’s about to erupt.
Fans and Media React
In Brazil, the reaction has been explosive. Hashtags like #FreeEndrick and #MadridIsKillingHim are trending. “Not another wasted talent like Reinier!” one fan wrote. On Spanish talk shows, heated debates rage: Is Alonso too rigid? Should Endrick be loaned out in January?
For now, Real Madrid continue to win, the smiles wide and the headlines glowing. But beneath the victories, a quiet storm is building — embodied by an 18-year-old prodigy, silent yet simmering with frustration.
If not managed carefully, Endrick’s patience — and pride — could soon become the next explosion inside the Galácticos’ locker room.
