The tale of Endrick, Brazil`s prodigious footballing talent, began with all the hallmarks of a classic “dream move” to Real Madrid. Having secured his transfer from Palmeiras, the young forward was envisioned as a cornerstone of the future, a player destined to wear the iconic white jersey with distinction. Yet, as the 2025-26 campaign unfolds, that dream appears to be less a triumphant arrival and more a complex puzzle, with the pieces stubbornly refusing to fit.
At just 19 years old, Endrick finds himself in an unenviable position. Despite the anticipation surrounding his arrival, he has been conspicuously absent from the starting XI, overlooked first by Carlo Ancelotti and now, in the current season, by Xabi Alonso. Not a single minute played in La Liga or the Champions League speaks volumes, and the whispers of frustration are growing louder, echoing not just within the corridors of the Bernabéu but across the footballing world.
The Bench, The World Cup, and The Battle for Minutes
The challenge for Endrick is multifaceted. Real Madrid`s attack is a veritable galaxy of stars: the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. command their positions with established brilliance. For a teenager, no matter how gifted, breaking into such a formidable lineup is akin to scaling Everest without oxygen. Ancelotti himself candidly admitted the difficulty, noting that Madrid`s wealth of attacking options simply couldn`t accommodate the game time a developing talent like Endrick needs. The irony, of course, is that a club renowned for nurturing young stars is now inadvertently stifling one of its brightest prospects.
This lack of playing time carries significant consequences, extending beyond club football. With the 2026 World Cup rapidly approaching, Endrick`s place in the competitive Brazil squad is under threat. The South American nation continues to produce a conveyor belt of talent, with new exciting youngsters, such as Chelsea`s Estevão Willian, emerging to stake their claim. For Endrick, consistent minutes are not just about personal development; they are a prerequisite for national team consideration. The clock, it seems, is ticking.
The situation has become so pressing that even Real Madrid legends are weighing in. Guti, the revered former midfielder, offered some forthright advice: “If he doesn’t get any opportunities between now and December, I think his best option is to leave so he can continue to grow. For a young player, the best thing is to get playing time.” It`s a pragmatic assessment, a stark reminder that even a dream move can become a gilded cage if it doesn`t offer the fundamental necessity of football: playing football.
A Shock January Move? Juventus Beckons
Against this backdrop of frustration and mounting pressure, a new narrative has begun to take shape. Journalist Matteo Moreno has reported that Endrick could be on the verge of a shock January move to Serie A giants Juventus. The Bianconeri, it seems, had expressed interest last summer, alongside several other top clubs across Europe, but Madrid then held firm. Now, with the World Cup on the horizon and Endrick desperate for regular football, the dynamics have shifted.
Juventus, known for their tactical prowess and ability to integrate promising talent, could offer the Brazilian a crucial lifeline. A move to Turin, whether on loan or a more permanent basis, would provide the stage he needs to showcase his abilities, regain form, and crucially, catch the eye of the national team selectors. It would be a significant pivot, trading the glitz of Madrid for the tactical rigour of Italian football, but for a player at his career juncture, practicality often trumps prestige.
The Iconic No. 9 and The Unseen Debut
The situation takes on a particular poignancy given Endrick was presented with Real Madrid`s iconic No. 9 shirt – a number previously graced by legends like Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ronaldo Nazário, Karim Benzema, and even Cristiano Ronaldo for a spell. It was a gesture steeped in history and expectation, a symbolic passing of the torch. Yet, to date, that revered number has remained largely unseen on the competitive pitch, a powerful emblem of unfulfilled potential in the immediate term.
As the international break concludes, all eyes will be on Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid`s upcoming fixtures – against Getafe in La Liga, followed by a key Champions League encounter with none other than Juventus, and then the season`s first El Clásico against arch-rivals Barcelona – represent a critical period. Will these matches provide Endrick with the elusive game time he desperately seeks? Will he finally get the chance to prove his worth and begin to repay the faith placed in him?
Regardless of what unfolds on the pitch in the coming weeks, the January transfer window looms large. Endrick stands at a significant crossroads, facing a decision that could define the trajectory of his burgeoning career. Will he patiently await his moment at the Santiago Bernabéu, or will the lure of regular football and the ambition of a World Cup place lead him to an unexpected Italian odyssey?
