Expectation can weigh heavy on young shoulders, yet with each game, teenage prodigy Endrick continues to justify his billing as the next Brazilian soccer great.
On Saturday, the 17-year-old scored in stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory for Brazil against Mexico in a Copa America warm-up match at Kyle Field, Texas, marking his third goal in as many international appearances. He headed home a Vinícius Jr. cross to put Brazil back in front after Guillermo Martínez Ayala had equalized for Mexico in the 92nd minute.
A Thrilling Encounter
Brazil initially went 2-0 up through goals from Andreas Pereira and Gabriel Martinelli, but let their advantage slip as Mexico scored twice late on.
“I’m very grateful to God for another opportunity to score for the national team,” Endrick said after the match, per Reuters. “We trained well and I hope we can work even harder because the goal is to win Copa America.”
Record-Breaking Talent
In March, Endrick scored the winning goal against England, becoming the youngest male player to score an international goal at Wembley and the youngest to score for Brazil since Ronaldo Nazario in 1994.
The soccer world has long recognized his talent. Real Madrid announced in December 2022 that they had reached an agreement for Endrick to join the La Liga club when he turns 18 in July this year, in a deal worth €70 million ($74.77 million).
Rising Star
Endrick broke through at Brazilian side Palmeiras, playing just 307 senior minutes before signing for Real Madrid. He has continued to play for the São Paulo-based club while waiting to move to Spain.
The forward, who has made five international appearances for Brazil’s senior team, became the youngest player to make his debut and score for Palmeiras. He is also the only player in the club’s history to have won trophies at every age level.
National Team Impact
Endrick’s eye-catching performances earned him a first call-up to the Brazil national team in November last year. He started in World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
Upcoming Fixtures
Brazil next plays the US in a friendly on Wednesday before starting their Copa America campaign against Costa Rica on June 24.
Credit: CNN Sport
