Brazilian social networks have been flooded with memes about Endrick and coach Carlo Ancelotti recently, implying that "if players want to do anything, Ancelotti will do the opposite". However, the reality is completely different. For Endrick, the Italian coach is the person he absolutely trusts.
He always follows his intuition and everything happens exactly like that" - Endrick shared before the match against Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. "It's like God is guiding him. I don't need to think much. When Ancelotti asks for something, I will do it without hesitation".
That is a very big change if we look back at the turbulent period of Brazil since the defeat to Croatia in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. After Tite resigned, Selecao successively went through the short periods of Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz and Dorival Junior, while the Brazilian Football Federation persistently pursued Ancelotti.
By May 2025, they will finally get what they want. Right at the debut press conference, Ancelotti emphasized that Brazil needs to build a new identity to end more than two decades of waiting for the World Cup championship. Instead of pursuing the traditional "Jogo Bonito" image, he brought a more pragmatic and effective style, which many people call "Ancelotti football".
Change begins with belief
The pressure for every generation of Brazilian players since the 2002 World Cup championship has always been very great.
Wearing the Brazil jersey means the only goal is to win the World Cup" - striker Matheus Cunha affirmed.
In each match at the 2026 World Cup, legends such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Roberto Carlos or Dunga appear in the stands, reminding the players of Selecao's illustrious tradition.
Brazil's journey at this year's tournament is also not smooth. Before the tournament, they lost Estevao, Eder Militao and Rodrygo due to injuries. Then there was a 1-1 draw against Morocco on the opening day, a 3-0 victory over Haiti but they lost Raphinha due to injury.
Difficulties continued to appear in the round of 32 when Brazil was led by Japan after the first half. Casemiro received much criticism for making mistakes in the conceded goal, but Ancelotti still placed his faith in this veteran midfielder. In response, Casemiro scored the equalizer before Gabriel Martinelli scored in injury time, helping Brazil win 2-1.
Calmness is the greatest strength
What impressed Brazilian players the most was not the tactical lectures but Ancelotti's composure.
Journalist Andre Kfouri of ESPN Brazil commented: "Ancelotti's composure makes players always believe that everything will be okay. That helps them reduce a lot of pressure.
Douglas Santos also agreed with that view: "He brings calmness, positive energy and belief so that we can turn the game around. We always feel that the team is capable of overcoming difficulties.
Endrick understands that best. During his time working with Ancelotti at Real Madrid, this young striker did not regularly start but was always encouraged by him.
He said my time will come. In the Copa del Rey, I played more and scored in most matches. He always knows what is best for the team" - the Real Madrid striker said.
The match between Brazil and Norway takes place at 3:00 am on July 6 (Vietnam time).
