Endrick opens up about Brazil’s World Cup heartbreak and life at Real Madrid: ‘A wound that still remains’ | OneFootball

Endrick may not be getting the regular minutes he wants at Real Madrid or with Brazil, but the young striker remains one of the most closely watched forwards in world football.

At 20, the Brazilian is already carrying expectations that few players his age have experienced. 

His development has also been influenced by difficult moments, including Brazil’s early World Cup exit against Norway and his struggle for consistent opportunities at club level.

Now, Endrick has offered a glimpse into the person behind the footballer.

Endrick’s perspective on pressure

In a recent interview (h/t AS), the Real Madrid forward reflected on the pressure surrounding professional football and the painful memories of Brazil’s World Cup campaign.

Endrick’s lack of regular football could easily dominate discussions about his current situation, but the Brazilian is choosing to focus on what football has given him.

Endrick is facing a difficult time both at Real Madrid and Brazil. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“There can be moments of intense pressure, but you have to be grateful for what football gives you. It’s not difficult being a footballer. 

“What’s difficult is getting up at five in the morning and working on a Sunday. I just play football, which is what I love most.”

Brazil’s World Cup exit still hurts Endrick

The more difficult part of the interview came when Endrick revisited Brazil’s elimination against Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16.

Brazil entered the tournament with expectations of going deep, making the eventual defeat particularly painful for the squad. 

Endrick and his teammates subsequently faced intense scrutiny as questions were raised over the Selecao’s disappointing campaign.

Months later, the memory has clearly not disappeared. “It was a very difficult moment. It’s a wound that still remains and that we have to try to heal as quickly as possible,” he said.

Endrick has opened up on the World Cup heartbreak. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

His start against Australia during this international break represented another opportunity to contribute to Brazil’s rebuilding process, although he was unable to get on the scoresheet.

Real Madrid teammates love Brazilian football

Away from the pressure surrounding Brazil and his own career, Endrick also discussed life inside the Real Madrid dressing room.

The striker has developed a particularly close relationship with fellow Brazilian Rodrygo, while some of the club’s European stars regularly turn to the pair when they want to learn more about football in Brazil.

That includes Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, who apparently have more interest in the Brasileirão than Endrick might have expected.

“Valverde asks us about Brazilian football. Bellingham does too,” he revealed.