Endrick Faces Crossroads as Carlo Ancelotti Hints at Transfer to Secure 2026 World Cup Dream

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged Real Madrid forward Endrick to carefully consider his future, suggesting the 19-year-old may need to leave the Santiago Bernabéu temporarily if he wants to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. Speaking to Brazilian magazine PLACAR, the Italian tactician emphasized that while the young striker possesses the quality to represent Brazil at multiple World Cups through 2038, consistent playing time is essential for his development and international prospects.

Ancelotti’s Extended World Cup Timeline

In a remarkably optimistic assessment of the teenager’s potential longevity, Ancelotti painted a picture of a player whose international career could span decades. His comments reflect both confidence in the player’s abilities and an attempt to ease pressure on immediate selection decisions.

The former Real Madrid manager stated clearly: “He could play in the 2026 World Cup because he has the quality for it, but he could also be in the 2030 World Cup, or the 2034 World Cup, and maybe even the 2038 World Cup.” This long-term perspective attempts to remove some urgency from Endrick’s current situation while still emphasizing the importance of regular football.

The Playing Time Crisis at Real Madrid

Endrick’s predicament stems from his complete lack of opportunities under new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. Despite being fit since mid-September, the Brazilian sensation is yet to play a single minute for Los Blancos this season. His only appearance came in the 4-0 victory over Valencia this month, when he entered as a substitute for the final 11 minutes.

Endrick’s 2024-25 Season Statistics

This represents a dramatic decline from his debut season under Carlo Ancelotti in 2024-25, when he made 37 appearances totaling 847 minutes and scored seven goals. That campaign saw him score on debut in both La Liga and the Champions League, performances that earned him a special place in the hearts of Madrid supporters who appreciated his fearless approach playing alongside superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo.

The teenager’s situation worsened significantly when Real Madrid left him out of their Champions League squad due to homegrown player requirements, effectively closing one avenue for competitive action. He did play the full match as Liverpool crashed out of the League Cup against Crystal Palace, but has been used sparingly in league fixtures, sometimes not even making the bench.

Ancelotti’s Diplomatic Counsel

Speaking about his recent conversations with Endrick, Ancelotti revealed he spoke with the player at the beginning of the season when he was dealing with injury issues. Now recovered, the Brazil coach believes Endrick must have frank discussions with Real Madrid about his immediate future.

“He was injured, but now he’s fine, back, and he has to think with his entourage about what’s best,” Ancelotti explained. “Talk to the club, to see what’s best for him. Endrick is very young, this won’t be his last World Cup. I believe it’s important for him to get back to playing and show his qualities.”

These comments carry particular weight given Ancelotti’s dual perspective. As Endrick’s former coach at Real Madrid, he understands the club’s competitive dynamics and the challenge young players face breaking into a squad filled with established stars. As Brazil’s national team coach preparing for a World Cup in just seven months, he needs players match-ready and in form, not sitting on benches regardless of their club’s prestige.

The Italian tactician has been careful not to close the door on Endrick’s World Cup prospects while simultaneously making clear that selection requires consistent performance. In earlier press conferences, Ancelotti indicated he has already shortlisted approximately 17 to 18 players who will definitely make the trip to the Americas next summer, with remaining spots highly competitive.

The Lyon Loan Option

Reports from multiple sources confirm that Endrick has given his approval to a loan move to Olympique Lyon in the January transfer window. The French club, with its rich history of Brazilian players including Juninho Pernambucano, Edmílson, Bruno Guimarães, and Lucas Paquetá, represents an attractive destination for the young forward.

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca has reportedly given assurances that Endrick would be a starter, providing the guaranteed playing time crucial for his development. The Groupama Stadium could serve as the perfect platform for Endrick to demonstrate the qualities that made him one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football just 18 months ago.

However, negotiations between Lyon and Real Madrid have not yet produced an agreement on terms. The Spanish giants must weigh their desire to see Endrick develop against concerns about losing control of a player they invested heavily in acquiring from Palmeiras. The structure of any loan deal—whether it includes options or obligations to purchase, recall clauses, and playing time guarantees—remains under discussion.

The Shadow of Injury

Endrick’s current situation is complicated by his recent injury history. A hamstring injury suffered at the end of the 2024-25 season kept him away from action for over five months, a significant setback for a player at such a formative stage of his career. Since his return, he hasn’t suffered further fitness setbacks, but the extended absence clearly impacted his standing within the Real Madrid squad hierarchy.

Ancelotti acknowledged this challenge during his September comments on ESPN, noting that young players who move to Europe often face the difficult transition from starring roles in their home countries to peripheral positions at elite clubs. He compared Endrick’s situation to that of Estêvão Willian at Chelsea, suggesting both talented youngsters face similar adaptation challenges.

“The problem with young people who go to Europe is that they have a leading role here, but not much of a leading role there,” Ancelotti explained. This observation cuts to the heart of Endrick’s dilemma—he arrived at Real Madrid as one of Brazil’s brightest prospects but found himself competing with established world-class attackers for limited minutes.

Brazil Squad Dynamics

Ancelotti has not included Endrick in any of his Brazil squads since taking charge in June 2025, a notable omission given the player’s 14 caps and three goals for the national team. His last international appearance came in March, before Ancelotti’s appointment, highlighting how his club situation has directly impacted his international prospects.

The Brazil coach managed Endrick for a full year at Real Madrid and spoke warmly of him as both a person and professional. However, he also acknowledged the competitive reality at elite clubs: “Obviously, he didn’t play as well as he could because Real Madrid had Rodrygo, Vinícius; competition in a big team is important, and that can affect a player’s progression a little.”

This frank assessment reveals Ancelotti’s pragmatic approach to squad selection. Sentiment and potential cannot override the need for players who are match-sharp and contributing regularly to their clubs. With Brazil still recovering from disappointing performances in recent tournaments—winning just two of their opening six World Cup qualifiers and exiting the Copa América in the quarterfinals—Ancelotti cannot afford to carry passengers into a World Cup.

The Broader Context at Real Madrid

Endrick’s struggles reflect Real Madrid’s current transition period. Xabi Alonso arrived this season tasked with revitalizing a squad that failed to win La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey in the previous campaign. The only silverware, the UEFA Super Cup in August, came before league play began.

The arrival of Kylian Mbappé as the marquee signing created a new attacking hierarchy, with the French superstar joining established stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. This formidable trio leaves little room for rotation, particularly for an unproven teenager still adapting to European football’s demands. Alonso has shown no indication he plans to provide Endrick significant opportunities in the near future, making a loan move increasingly logical.

Historical Precedents and Warnings

Endrick’s camp faces a difficult decision complicated by mixed precedents from previous Real Madrid loanees. The cases of Reinier Jesus and Luka Jović serve as cautionary tales—both struggled on loan and never established themselves at the Bernabéu upon return. These examples suggest that leaving Real Madrid, even temporarily, carries risks that can derail careers.

Conversely, Vinícius Júnior’s story offers hope. The Brazilian winger persevered through difficult early seasons, faced intense criticism, but ultimately became one of world football’s elite players without ever leaving Madrid. His patient approach, working through setbacks and limited opportunities, eventually paid dividends as he grew into an indispensable figure.

The question for Endrick becomes whether his situation more closely resembles Vinícius’s early struggles—frustrations that would eventually resolve with persistence—or whether it represents a more fundamental mismatch requiring a change of environment to fulfill his potential.

What This Means for 2026

With the World Cup just seven months away, Endrick faces a narrow window to change Ancelotti’s mind. A strong second half of the season at Lyon, assuming the loan materializes, could force his way back into contention. The tournament’s proximity means any move must happen in January rather than waiting for the summer window.

Ancelotti’s extended World Cup timeline, while complimentary, also functions as a diplomatic cushion. By emphasizing that 2026 won’t be Endrick’s last opportunity, the coach can justify omitting him from the squad without appearing to give up on the player’s long-term international prospects. The teenager will only be 20 during the tournament, and plenty of elite players didn’t establish themselves internationally until their mid-twenties.

However, World Cups arrive infrequently, and opportunities missed in youth don’t always return. Brazil’s previous absences from the 2022 and 2018 World Cups remind everyone that nothing is guaranteed. For Endrick, the decision about his immediate future at Real Madrid carries implications that extend far beyond club football.

Read More: Thibaut Courtois Sidelined: Real Madrid Goalkeeper Faces 2-Week Absence with Adductor Injury

FAQs