The young Brazilian forward Endrick gave an interview to legend Romário. Back in his home country for the March international break, the 18-year-old Real Madrid striker revealed his biggest fear.
Endrick was called up to the national team at the last minute this March. Absent from the last two Brazil squads at the end of 2024, the 18-year-old forward nearly missed another call-up at the start of 2025 due to his lack of playing time at club level. However, following Neymar’s injury at Santos, the Real Madrid forward—who had been requested by many Brazilians—was recalled by coach Dorival Júnior. It was with a smile and great joy that he gave an interview to Romário’s YouTube channel.
Endrick has no complaints about his limited playing time at Madrid
As he waits to see whether he will play against Argentina or remain on the bench, as he did in the clash between the Seleção and Colombia on Friday night, Endrick opened up to the 1994 World Cup champion. Despite playing only 500 minutes in 28 matches for Los Blancos, with just four starts, the young forward remains calm and composed. “I have no complaints. My mentality has changed a lot at Real Madrid, and even though I don’t play much, every time I do, thank God, I come on and score to help my team.”
With great humility, Endrick acknowledges the challenge of competing alongside world-class forwards. “For me, it’s a privilege to be at such a big club like Real Madrid, with the best players in the world. The three best players in the world are Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vini… and that’s our attacking trio. It’s an indescribable feeling to be with the best, to always learn, to keep improving, which is the most important thing for me. I’m only 18 at Real Madrid, I have to enjoy life and football. And that’s what I’m doing,” insisted the former Palmeiras player.
The fear of missing out on the World Cup is real
During his conversation with the former Seleção star—who scored 55 goals in 70 games between 1987 and 2005—Endrick revealed what would be a devastating disappointment for him in the coming months: missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Knowing that irregular playing time and a lack of performances could leave him out of the squad for football’s biggest event, the young native of Taguatinga admitted that the thought worries him.
“The truth is, I would be very sad not to play in the World Cup. My father told me it happened to you as well—that you were waiting, and they didn’t call you up. So I do have that fear because it’s one of my dreams. I would love to help Brazil win its sixth title,” continued the young talent, who will turn 19 in July. As if sending a message to Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa emphasised that he needs regular playing time to have a shot at the 2026 World Cup with the Seleção.
“Of course, it’s tough to be at the biggest club in the world and not have the chance to play all the time. But every time I do play, I can prove that I have the level to be in the national team. I hope that next year, I can be part of the squad and, if God wills, we can win the World Cup,” he concluded in his conversation with Romário, now 59 years old.
One thing is certain: Endrick’s message is loud and clear. With an impressive goal ratio at Real Madrid, he could secure his place in the national team if he gets more playing time.
With his talent, he should have no trouble establishing himself as a key attacking option for the Seleção in the coming months. Adored by the Brazilian press—who were outraged when he was left out of Dorival Júnior’s initial squad—the 18-year-old striker enjoys significant attention. He simply needs to keep making an impact whenever he gets minutes under Carlo Ancelotti.
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