Entering his third year at Real Madrid, Endrick still carries the cloud of doubt that has trailed him since his €60 million move in July 2024.
A fresh variable now shapes his story: a brand‑new head coach has taken the reins in Madrid.
He hasn’t featured competitively for Mourinho yet, still nursing a thigh injury sustained just before the August league restart, though he did appear in several friendlies.
After failing to break through under Ancelotti and Alonso – even spending the latter half of last season on loan at Lyon – Mourinho has publicly backed the Brazilian.
Mourinho told reporters on August 25, “I like him a lot; clubs keep asking about a loan or sale, but I’ve kept him because I enjoy working with this talented youngster.”
The coach appreciates Endrick’s skill set and has promised him minutes this term, whether leading the line or drifting out wide on the right.
Still, a clear route to a regular starting spot in either role remains elusive for the teen.
Consequently, his situation will be reassessed before the January window, with another loan still a possibility.
The pressure is mounting.
Endrick is one of Madrid’s biggest bets on youth, a pursuit that also attracted Barcelona, Chelsea and PSG before the club sealed a €35 million plus €25 million add‑on deal with Palmeiras in 2022, now valued near €50 million.
He arrived in summer 2024 after turning 18 on July 21, and his development has stalled somewhat since.
In his debut season he logged 847 minutes across 37 games, netting seven goals and adding one assist – a goal involvement every 105.8 minutes.
Ancelotti was openly wary of his inexperience, echoing his stance on Arda Güler, insisting Madrid’s youngsters must first taste the bench.
The hierarchy reminded him that Endrick had already out‑appeared Vinícius Jr (31) and Rodrygo (26) in their first seasons, though they logged far more minutes overall.
His sophomore campaign proved tougher.
A hamstring problem at the tail end of 2024‑25 kept him out of the Club World Cup, where new boss Alonso opted for Gonzalo Garcia to replace the injured Mbappé; Garcia responded with four goals and an assist in six games.
Garcia later extended his contract and shone off the bench in 2025‑26 before a €40 million switch to Fulham in early August, reuniting with former Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
Endrick flew to the United States for the final stages of that 2025 tournament to stay close to Alonso’s staff, but another hamstring setback delayed his return until mid‑September.
Alonso urged him to seek regular minutes elsewhere, yet the 22‑year‑old chose to stay and battle for a place, only to sit unused for eight straight matches before heading on loan to Lyon in early November.
In France he recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 outings, earning a spot in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad under Ancelotti’s guidance.
Brazil fans wanted him more involved after their 111‑minute, four‑game cameo ended with a Norway loss in the last‑16.
Back in April, Real Madrid told Endrick they counted on him for the upcoming season as Garcia prepared to depart.
Mourinho’s arrival softened that promise; he wanted Garcia in pre‑season and liked his profile, but without assured minutes the youngster still moved to Fulham.
Madrid also snapped up 21‑year‑old Carlos Espi from Levante for roughly €25 million, a striker Mourinho likened to Joselu, whose sale of Garcia made the signing feasible.
With interest from several clubs, Madrid, Mourinho and Endrick jointly decided he would stay.
Mourinho personally outlined his plan: Endrick could replace Mbappé up front and also operate on the right, given the coach doesn’t view Valverde or Silva as viable options there.
That optimism fuels Endrick’s fight to fulfill his Real Madrid dream.
For my money, Endrick’s best chance lies in embracing Mourinho’s plan and proving his worth in training.
Nonetheless, doubts linger among his inner circle, prompting a review before the January window.
Mbappé is unlikely to miss many games, and Espi now vies as his potential backup after topping pre‑season scoring and netting the late winner in the La Liga opener against Espanyol.
The right flank also poses challenges, as it isn’t Endrick’s natural position.
Mourinho has previously slotted Güler there, a spot crowded by Mbappé, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and newcomer Yan Diomande, whose deal could rise to €140 million.
Brahim Díaz remains another viable option on the wing, having forced his way into every manager’s plans since his 2023 return and starting against Málaga on August 30; Rodrygo should also be fit by January after his knee injury.
Endrick made the squad for Tuesday’s 2‑1 Champions League win over Inter but stayed on the bench while Díaz took the right‑wing role; he also appeared in Ancelotti’s latest Brazil call‑up for friendlies versus Australia and India.
Madrid host Rayo Vallecano this Saturday; it may be early for Endrick to feature prominently, as sources say his reintegration is being handled cautiously.
The situation around the promising youngster should soon start to take shape. Will he finally break through before the winter window?