Right from the beginning of the year, Endrick's dream of wearing the Brazilian national team jersey to the 2026 World Cup seemed to vanish. At Real Madrid, he only played a mere 99 minutes in the first half of the season when coach Xabi Alonso prioritized Gonzalo Garcia. A farewell in the winter transfer window is almost inevitable.
The turning point came when Endrick joined Lyon on loan from January 1. In Ligue 1, the 19-year-old striker quickly recreated the explosive form that helped him become famous at Palmeiras, scoring 6 goals and contributing to 7 goals in just his first 7 appearances.
That resurgence made Endrick look exactly like the 60 million Euro contract that Real Madrid expected when recruiting him at the end of 2022. It is not surprising that rumors about his possibility of returning to the Brazilian national team began to appear before the international matches in March.
Brazilian captain, Carlo Ancelotti, used to work directly with Endrick at Real Madrid and was said to have advised him to leave Bernabeu to increase his chances of participating in the World Cup. The fact that the name Endrick is once again mentioned in Ancelotti's plan is already a big step forward.
However, reality is still very harsh. Despite impressing at Lyon, Endrick sometimes still reveals immaturity. In the context that Brazil possesses the densest attacking depth in the world, he will have to maintain almost perfect form from now until mid-2026 if he wants to secure a spot in North America.
Endrick is a player who can turn the tide when he is in high form - a strong, explosive striker, possessing a dangerous left-footed shot and impressive ball control ability. That is why Real Madrid did not include a buyout clause when loaning him to Lyon. Endrick is still considered an important part of the long-term plan at the Bernabeu.
However, the weakness that Ancelotti once pointed out has not disappeared. Endrick is sometimes indecisive in his handling choices, often finishing when his teammates are in a more favorable position. In a major tournament like the World Cup, where each decision can determine the fate of the match, it could cost him when the final list of 26 players is announced.
At Lyon, Endrick mainly plays on the right wing, but in Brazil, that position is almost non-existent when he has to compete with Raphinha, Rodrygo and Estevao Willian. On the left wing, Vinicius Junior is the number one choice, while Gabriel Martinelli often plays the role of strategic substitute. Therefore, Endrick's most realistic path is to compete for the number 9 center forward position - the role that made his name at Palmeiras.
Since March last year, Endrick has not returned to the national team. Instead, Ancelotti has experimented with many other options such as Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Joao Pedro, Vitor Roque, Igor Jesus and Kaio Jorge. Gabriel Jesus has also returned to play for Arsenal, while Igor Thiago impressed at Brentford.
Only two or three of those names can participate, forcing Ancelotti to make difficult decisions. Currently, Endrick is still not guaranteed a spot.
Positive news for the 19-year-old talent is that time is still on his side. The deadline for submitting the list is June 1st, and Lyon can play up to 21 more matches if they advance deep in the French National Cup and Europa League.
Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca also understands his student's goal: "Everyone knows he wants to wear the Brazil jersey and understands that he must perform well here to achieve that. I try to help him maintain balance, humility and responsibility. Help him understand that he can help the team, but at the same time the team can help him".
If Endrick receives that message and maintains his current form, Ancelotti may no longer have reason to ignore him on his journey to the 2026 World Cup.
