Several former World Cup winners, including Tostão, Bebeto, and Zico, are advocating for teenage forward Endrick to receive more playing time in Brazil's current World Cup campaign, citing his decisive impact and unique qualities. Despite his match-winning performances, such as his first goal against England and a key contribution against Mexico, and praise from teammates like Éder Militão and Danilo for his "star power" and being a "rare jewel," head coach Carlo Ancelotti appears hesitant to grant him a starting role, a pattern observed during his time at Real Madrid. While injuries to Raphinha and Neymar had raised hopes for Endrick's inclusion in the starting eleven, reports indicate Luiz Henrique and Rayan are still favored, though Endrick himself expressed contentment with Ancelotti's coaching.

Several former World Cup winners, including Tostão, Bebeto, and Zico, are advocating for teenage forward Endrick to receive more playing time in Brazil's current World Cup campaign, citing his decisive impact and unique qualities. Despite his match-winning performances, such as his first goal against England and a key contribution against Mexico, and praise from teammates like Éder Militão and Danilo for his "star power" and being a "rare jewel," head coach Carlo Ancelotti appears hesitant to grant him a starting role, a pattern observed during his time at Real Madrid. While injuries to Raphinha and Neymar had raised hopes for Endrick's inclusion in the starting eleven, reports indicate Luiz Henrique and Rayan are still favored, though Endrick himself expressed contentment with Ancelotti's coaching.

Several former World Cup winners, including Tostão, Bebeto, and Zico, are advocating for teenage forward Endrick to receive more playing time in Brazil's current World Cup campaign, citing his decisive impact and unique qualities. Despite his match-winning performances, such as his first goal against England and a key contribution against Mexico, and praise from teammates like Éder Militão and Danilo for his "star power" and being a "rare jewel," head coach Carlo Ancelotti appears hesitant to grant him a starting role, a pattern observed during his time at Real Madrid. While injuries to Raphinha and Neymar had raised hopes for Endrick's inclusion in the starting eleven, reports indicate Luiz Henrique and Rayan are still favored, though Endrick himself expressed contentment with Ancelotti's coaching.

Several former World Cup winners are backing teenage forward Endrick to play a bigger role in Brazil’s ongoing FIFA World Cup campaign and have urged head coach Carlo Ancelotti to place greater faith in him. As things stand, however, the Real Madrid prodigy is once again likely to start on the bench against Scotland on Thursday.

Among those wanting Endrick to start are World Cup-winning legends Tostão and Bebeto. The iconic Zico has publicly endorsed the striker. Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Zico argued that the youngster, who spent the last season on loan with Lyon, possesses qualities that are difficult to find elsewhere in the current squad.

“I don’t see any other player in the squad with his characteristics or personality,” Zico told ESPN Brasil. “He is decisive.”

Endrick | Reuters

The support stems largely from Endrick's ability to influence matches despite receiving limited playing time. The teenager announced himself on the international stage with his first Brazil goal against England at Wembley and later produced a match-winning contribution in a friendly against Mexico in 2024.

His impact has not gone unnoticed within the dressing room. Injured Brazil defender Éder Militão recently praised the youngster's knack for changing games regardless of how little time he spends on the pitch.

“Whenever he comes on, even if it’s just for two or three minutes, he changes the match,” Militão was quoted as saying earlier this month. “He has this star power,” he reportedly added.

The veteran Danilo, meanwhile, described Endrick as “a rare jewel” following Brazil's match against Morocco. His remarks are understood to reflect a broader admiration for the teenager within the national team setup.

Ancelotti, however, remains reluctant. Although the Italian coach described him as “an extraordinary talent” last week, that praise has yet to translate into a regular starting role. Ancelotti didn’t give Endrick regular minutes on the pitch when he was in charge of Real Madrid ahead of accepting the Brazil job. During the 2024–25 season, Endrick started only eight matches and averaged 23 minutes per appearance across 37 games.

With Raphinha injured and Neymar not fully fit, expectations had risen that Endrick could break into the starting lineup. However, indications suggest that Luiz Henrique and Rayan remain ahead of him in the pecking order.

“I’m happy to have him in my life,” Endrick had reportedly said recently. “I thank God that he is here with us because he’s a great coach,” he added, ruling out any friction with the legendary manager.

TAGS