In a heartfelt and revealing statement, Real Madrid’s young Brazilian striker Endrick has opened up about the difficulties he faced during his debut season under former manager Carlo Ancelotti. As Ancelotti departs to lead the Brazil national team, Endrick’s comments have brought attention to the struggles young players can encounter at top clubs.
Signed from Palmeiras in July 2024 for around €60 million, Endrick found his playing time limited amid fierce competition from attacking stars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo. Despite showing promise, the 18-year-old was often left on the bench, which became a source of frustration.
Speaking at a press conference, Endrick said, “He refused to play me in Madrid and still calls me out in public,” seemingly addressing Ancelotti’s past remarks about young players needing to be patient. The Italian coach had previously commented that Endrick needed to “suck it up on the bench,” pointing to the pathways of Vinícius and Rodrygo, who also had to wait for their chances.
While Ancelotti publicly praised Endrick’s potential and urged patience, the forward’s lack of minutes suggested a mismatch between those words and his actual opportunities. People close to Endrick were reportedly surprised by his limited role, particularly considering his performances in training and the few matches he played.
Nonetheless, Endrick has remained composed and focused on improving, expressing appreciation for being part of a club like Real Madrid. Now, with Xabi Alonso taking over as head coach, the young forward hopes for more consistent playing time and a bigger role in the team’s plans for the upcoming season. His story underscores the challenges emerging talents face when trying to break into world-class squads.
