Brazil has produced several players of the highest calibre, including the goal-scoring freak Pele and the leg-breaking skill master Ronaldinho. The talent that has recently emerged from the nation, namely Neymar and Vinicius Jr., has captivated fans all around the world. The most recent gem to emerge from Brazil's football mine is Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa. Endrick, 16, from Palmeiras, was agreed to by Real Madrid in December, and the player is expected to transfer to the Bernabeu when he turns 18 in July 2024. One of the greatest young talents in Brazil is the 16-year-old. Many fans and experts have already predicted him to be Selecao's future star.
Football Career:
Endrick, who was raised in Taguatinga, Federal District, began playing football when he was four years old. At age 11, he joined the Palmeiras youth squad after almost signing with Sao Paulo. For Palmeiras' youth teams over the course of five years, he scored 165 goals in 169 games. He participated in the 2022 Copa Sao Paulo de Futebol Junior, winning the tournament's Player of the Tournament award after helping Palmeiras win their first championship with seven goals in seven games. After the tournament, major European clubs and the international press were interested in him.
On October 6, 2022, Endrick made his professional debut in the second half of Palmeiras' Série A victory over Coritiba. He made his debut with Palmeiras as a player at the age of 16 years, 2 months, and 16 days. He became the second-youngest goal scorer in the history of Brazil's top league, behind Toninho de Matos, when he scored his first two goals on October 25 in a 3-1 victory over Athletico Paranaense.
Real Madrid of La Liga stated on December 15, 2022, that they had signed an agreement with Endrick's family, Palmeiras, and the club to sign him when he reaches 18 in July 2024.
Comparisons with Pele:
"Sometimes I ask myself: Why are there so many stories about me?" Endrick said. "I didn't ask for this. There are situations that cross a line. 'Ah, he's the new Pele.' Man, nobody is going to be Pele, he's the king of football,” Endrick said about his comparisons with Pele.
Stats:
Club | Season | Division | League Apps | League Goals | Total Apps | Total Goals |
Palmeiras | 2022 | Série A | 7 | 3 | 14 | 6 |
Palmeiras | 2023 | Série A | 2 | 1 | 34 | 6 |
Career | — | — | 8 | 4 | 47 | 12 |
Endrick will begin the 2023 season with Brazil at the South American U-20 Championship, as agreed upon with Real Madrid, and with the hope of earning a starting position with Palmeiras. It is another step in a journey that many believe will reach one of its many peaks at the 2026 World Cup, even though the young player is only 16 years old.
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