Despite the prestige of a FIFA tournament, club commitments take precedence since the U-20 World Cup does not hold “major tournament” status. Consequently, Real Madrid and Barcelona have exercised their right to withhold stars like Endrick and Lamine Yamal, prioritizing their players’ physical wellbeing and managing their minutes with care. This approach underscores the delicate balance between nurturing young talent and safeguarding their potential.

Lamine and Endrick have ascended to the zenith of world soccer celebrating their 20th anniversary. Such exceptional talent has bypassed their need for U-20 national team call-ups. Unlike Lamine, who briefly appeared for the U-19 and a few U-17 matches before advancing to senior squads, the Brazilian showcased his skills extensively with the U-23 and U-17 teams, displaying his brilliance.

Even without their star players, both national teams remain competitive. Brazil‘s head coach, Ramon Meneses, confidently turns to the dynamic Luighi to lead their attack, pairing him with Wesley, whose recent performances have highlighted his considerable potential. Meanwhile, Spain’s head coach, Paco Gallardo, relies on a talented trio of Iker Bravo, Jan Virgili, and Pablo Garcia, all of whom are making waves in Europe’s top soccer leagues.

Do Spain and Brazil still have a chance to reach the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup round of 16?

Although Spain and Brazil did not begin the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in top form, they still have a slim chance to advance to the round of 16. With only one spot remaining, both teams need a victory that would elevate one to glory while sending the other home. However, a win alone is not enough; certain scenarios must align in their favor for them to progress further in the tournament.

In case Spain or Brazil triumph in today’s match, they need Mexico, who are one point ahead, to lose their game today. This result would allow the winner to claim second place and advance to the round of 16. However, if Morocco lose, it would secure second place for Mexico, forcing today’s winner to await the group stage conclusion. This scenario depends on evaluating third-placed teams to determine which four advance to the next round.

Historically, this tournament has been the launchpad for future legends such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Suarez. Yet this edition features a notable shortage of elite young names, with many clubs refusing to release their top prospects due to competitive priorities.

Group C is shaping up to be one of the toughest in the competition, featuring Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Morocco. With such a high level of competition, every absence could prove decisive.

Why Endrick and Estevao are not playing against Mexico?

Brazil are dealing with significant absences, and the reasons extend beyond technical or medical decisions. Endrick is still recovering from a four-month injury layoff, while Estevao has just begun his career at Chelsea. More importantly, FIFA regulations require clubs to release players only for senior international duty, not youth tournaments. For the U-20 World Cup, the decision rests entirely with the clubs.

That reality left Brazil without two players expected to define the future of the national team. With Endrick now tied to Real Madrid and Estevao settling in at Chelsea, their clubs chose to prioritize their development within the first-team environment. For Brazil, it means rethinking their tactical approach and opening the door for other young talents to make a statement.

Brazil remain among the favorites

Despite these setbacks, Brazil enter the tournament as one of the favorites. They last lifted the U-20 World Cup in 2011, with a golden generation that included Philippe Coutinho, Oscar, and Casemiro. Now, the squad is built around a mix of skill and power, featuring names like Deivid Washington (Chelsea), Luigi (Palmeiras), Wesley (Al-Nassr), and Pedrinho (Zenit St. Petersburg).

The team is coming off a championship run at the South American U-20 tournament, and expectations remain high. Brazil see this campaign not just as a chance to reclaim global supremacy, but also as an opportunity to showcase the next wave of stars ready to step into the spotlight.

For fans, the absence of Endrick and Estevao is disappointing, but for the players who made the trip, it represents the chance of a lifetime. The clash against Mexico will be the first test of how well Brazil can cope without their biggest names.

However, the Spanish media’s impatience with young talents often leads to calls for their loan moves, adding an extra layer of pressure on both the players and the coaching staff. That’s happening with Endrick and Arda Guler, but Ancelotti denied their potential departure in 2025.

“Endrick stays here like Guler stays here. More minutes I don’t know, they might need them but I am not prejudiced against anyone and I try to put the best team and the best players whether they are 18 or 40. Sometimes I think the team with Güler or Endrick is better and sometimes not. You have to be patient with the young players but sometimes they have to learn a lot of things that will come with time. I don’t have any prejudice with the youngster. I’ve had 17 or 18-year-old players play with me,” said Ancelotti on Monday.

Real Madrid’s objective is to provide young players with the best possible environment to develop and compete against the world’s elite for their spot in the starting lineup. There is simply no better place for this than at Real Madrid. Endrick and Arda have already proven their potential, starting in several important matches and showcasing their talent.

As Ancelotti stated patience will be crucial as they continue their development, given the fierce competition they face. Endrick is competing for a place alongside Kylian Mbappe, while Arda is competing against Vinicius Jr, Brahim Díaz, Rodrygo, and even Jude Bellingham. Despite the intense competition, both players have a bright future at the club and are expected to play an important role in Real Madrid’s future success.

Endrick’s journey at Real Madrid: Challenges and potential

The 18-year-old Brazilian sensation joined Real Madrid this summer in a highly anticipated $38 million transfer from Palmeiras. Despite his age, Endrick had already showcased his talent by scoring 21 goals in 82 appearances for the Brazilian club, earning the attention of Real Madrid scout Juni Calafat.

Known for his explosive power and sharp soccer IQ, Endrick has drawn comparisons to Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário. His ability to find space and execute with precision has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, marking him as one of the sport’s most exciting young prospects.

However, Endrick’s start at Real Madrid has been slower than some fans expected. With just 2 goals in 14 matches, he is yet to fully find his rhythm. Despite this, the club remains confident in his potential, banking on the raw talent he has consistently demonstrated on the field.

Arda Guler’s start to life in Madrid

The promising Turkish talent, who made the move to Real Madrid in 2023 from Fenerbahce for $20 million, quickly impressed with a strong record of 9 goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances for his former club, a solid return for a player so young.

However, his debut season at Real Madrid was marked by a series of injuries, which sidelined him for 145 days. It was a tough setback for the 19 year-old, adjusting to life at one of the world’s biggest clubs. This season, though, he is fully recovered and scoring 7 goals and 1 assist in 29 appearances.

The club’s interest in him was sparked by his comparison to Mesut Ozil, and it’s easy to see why. With a similar playing style, characterized by exceptional vision, precise passing, and pace, the Turkish playmaker has filled the need for a quick-thinking, creative midfielder in Madrid’s ranks.

With goals from Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid secured a strong victory, bringing their tally to 14 goals in the Spanish league. Endrick, who came on as a substitute in the second half, played a crucial role in earning a penalty.

After the match, star defender Antonio Rüdiger, a respected leader in the Madrid locker room, made a point to compliment the young Brazilian. “You’re perfect, Bobby (Endrick. Every time you come on, you make something happen,” the German told Endrick. In the previous match, the 18-year-old had scored his first goal in the UEFA Champions League after coming on in the second half.

Endrick set to start in next LaLiga match?

There’s growing speculation that Endrick could be in the starting lineup for Real Madrid’s next La Liga match. With Ancelotti planning to rotate his squad, the young Brazilian may step in for Mbappe, who leads the team in goals this season.

Wearing the No. 16 jersey, Endrick has already impressed Madrid’s coaching staff, led by Ancelotti, as well as club president Florentino Perez. Valued at €60 million, the Palmeiras sensation has appeared in six matches for Real Madrid, scoring twice and providing one assist. Notably, he has yet to start a match.

Real Madrid returns to action on Tuesday, October 24, in a home fixture against Alaves. The match at the Santiago Bernabeu will see Ancelotti likely make significant lineup changes to rest key players ahead of their much-anticipated clash with Atletico Madrid.

Endrick won first title with Real Madrid sooner than Cristiano Ronaldo

Even though Endrick didn’t see action on the pitch that day, the young Brazilian star still marked a significant milestone, celebrating his first title with Real Madrid as the team lifted the 2024 UEFA Super Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, didn’t experience such early success. Despite arriving in Madrid with high expectations, the Portuguese superstar ended his first season without any silverware.

His first taste of glory at the Bernabeu came a year later, when he helped secure the 2011 Copa del Rey. In that final, Ronaldo delivered a memorable extra-time header, sealing a 1-0 win against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona, and playing a pivotal role in one of the club’s most iconic victories.

Endrick replaced Kylian Mbappe with 5 minutes left in the game and after an assist from Brahim Diaz, he eluded a defender and scored the third goal for Real Madrid.

In this way Endrick (18 years and 35 days) becomes the youngest foreign player to score for Real Madrid in the history of La Liga. He takes the record away from Raphael Varane, who scored against Rayo Vallecano in 2011 at the age of 18 years and 152 days.

Who is the youngest player to score in LaLiga?

Despite scoring his first goal for Real Madrid at a young age, Endrick does not hold the record for the youngest player to score in LaLiga, that title belongs to Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal.

The young Spaniard scored against Granada to break, at just 16 years and 87 days, a record set by Fabrice Olinga when he played for Malaga that looked like it could last for decades.

Only 10 minutes into his Real Madrid debut at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 18-year-old found the net to make things 3-0 against Valladolid on Matchday 2 of the 2024-25 LaLiga.

Even though the Palmeiras product came on for Kylian Mbappe after 86′, his time on the field was still enough to leave his mark on the game. In fact, Endrick got to match a feat from CR7.

Ronaldo also managed to score in his Real Madrid debut. On August 29, 2009, Cristiano recorded a penalty goal in a 3-2 victory against Deportivo La Coruña in the season opener.

Watch: Endrick’s first goal for Real Madrid

Six minutes into added time, Endrick made sure to get on the scoresheet before the referee blew the final whistle. The young forward dribbled past a Valladolid defender and fired home a powerful shot to send fans wild in the team’s first league win this term.

With Brazilian legend and current Valladolid president Ronaldo Nazario watching from the stands next to Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, Endrick managed to make an impression in only a few minutes of action.

Endrick won first title with Real Madrid sooner than Ronaldo

Even though he remained on the bench that day, Endrick celebrated his first title with the club at the 2024 UEFA Super Cup. Ronaldo, on the other hand, had to wait a bit longer.

Cristiano, in fact, finished trophyless in his first season at Real Madrid. His first trophy at the club came in the 2011 Copa del Rey, during his second season at the Bernabe. CR7 played a key role in that triumph though, scoring an extra-time winner against Lionel Messi’s Barcelona.

The relationship between Bellingham and Endrick seems to be very good, and this nickname is another example of the camaraderie that exists in the Real Madrid locker room. Both players have joined the club in recent seasons and have shown great talent and potential. Bellingham, who is already a role model on the team, has taken Endrick under his wing, helping him adapt to Spanish football.

The victory against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup was the finishing touch to a dream start to the season for Real Madrid. With goals from Federico Valverde and a scoring debut from Kylian Mbappe, the merengue team has made it clear that it is one of the big favorites to win all the titles in dispute this season.

What is Jude Bellingham’s nickname for Endrick?

Jude Bellingham revealed the nickname he has given the young Brazilian talent: “Bobby.” It was precisely in the Instagram post where Endrick posted a photo with the European Super Cup trophy with the phrase “Hala Madrid”, to which Bellingham responded with: “Vamos Bobby”.

Why “Bobby”?

Bellingham’s choice of the nickname “Bobby” is because, in an interview given by Brazilian Endrick after his goal at Wembley for Brazil in a friendly in 2023, he showed his admiration for ‘Sir Bobby‘. “I’m thrilled to have scored. I’m a big fan of Bobby Charlton, who played a lot of games in this stadium, he’s English and he scored a lot of goals. I’m grateful to have played here,” Endrick added.

The future of Real Madrid

With young and talented players like Bellingham and Endrick, Real Madrid’s future seems to be assured. Both players have enormous potential and are expected to be team pillars in the coming years.

Victory in the UEFA Super Cup is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for Real Madrid. Merengues fans are eager to see their favorite players continue adding titles and making history.

One of Real Madrid‘s new stars this season is drawing attention for his talent at such a young age. This is why one of the world’s most important clubs had their eyes on the forward as he was just starting his career with Palmeiras in Brazil.

With his arrival, not only is a high level of football performance expected from him, alongside other stars like Kylian Mbappe, but his exposure is so high that every statement or interview can lead to significant repercussions.

Such is the case where, in one of his recent interviews, Endrick prioritized a Real Madrid teammate over one of the Brazilian football icons of recent years.

In a recent interview with Delantero09, the 18-year-old forward surprised everyone with his response when asked whether he preferred Englishman Jude Bellingham or his compatriot Neymar Jr. Endrick was decisive, choosing his Real Madrid teammate over the recent star of the Brazilian national team.

The reaction from his national team teammates

Following the interview and Endrick’s surprising choice of Bellingham over Neymar, several of his teammates reacted with surprise to the decision.

Those who were most surprised and even joked about what they heard were none other than Raphinha and Thiago Silva, two key players for the Canarinha.

His other idol, Bobby Charlton

Endrick’s curious responses about his top idols and his preference for one player over another had an impact on several figures with a past in the Brazilian national team. One of them was Jorge Ferreira Neto, who criticized the young forward for naming Bobby Charlton as one of his football idols, and for choosing Bellingham over Neymar.

On the show Os Donos da Bola, the former Corinthians player was very harsh with the Real Madrid star: “Endrick knows nothing about football. How can he compare Bellingham to Neymar? And I must say, I’m not a fan of Neymar, but my kids adore him. Who has been the better player, Bellingham or Neymar? It’s ridiculous. Neymar is far superior.”

Finally, Neto made his concluding remarks about Bobby Charlton: “Then he tries to be funny, bringing up Bobby Charlton. You probably don’t even know who Bobby Charlton is; you think it’s a brand of cigarettes. Trying to be popular? He’s just a simple player.”

The revolution sparked by the now former Palmeiras player since his arrival at Madrid has been complete. The spotlight has focused on him not only for his football talent but also for his personality. Naturally, in one of many interviews, he compiled his classic top five players of all time.

It was to be expected that he might include some of his current teammates in that ranking, as well as players who have shaped the history of football in recent years.

It was well-known that he is a fan of Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he placed as the greatest player of all time. What was surprising, however, was that he left out Argentine forward Lionel Messi from the list.

In an interview with content creator Delantero09, Endrick was firm with his top five: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bobby Charlton, Ferenc Puskás, Vini Jr., and Jude Bellingham.

The inclusion of two historical figures

Endrick’s ranking surprised both fans and critics, as, despite his young age, he included two players he never actually saw play. The Englishman Bobby Charlton, whom he has praised on several occasions, and the Hungarian Ferenc Puskás, who has the honor of having a prestigious trophy named after him, awarded annually for the best goal of the year.

The ranking completed by his teammates

It was only logical to expect that the ranking would also feature players he now shares the field with at Real Madrid. Perhaps some anticipated that Kylian Mbappé would be included, but the French forward was also left out.

In this case, rounding out the top five are none other than his compatriot Vinícius Jr. and English forward Jude Bellingham, formerly of Borussia Dortmund.

The upcoming matches for Real Madrid

Real Madrid kicks off the season with two crucial matches. On Wednesday, August 14, they will face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, while on Sunday, August 18, they will make their La Liga debut against Mallorca away from home.

Real Madrid officially signed Endrick last summer. Endrick, with an imposing sole and muscles that challenge the new season’s shirt, presented himself at the 15 European Cups with the number 16 shirt. This number, worn by other players in transition, could be a harbinger of great achievements for Endrick in his first year as a Real Madrid player.

Endrick is no stranger to high expectations. Acclaimed by more than 30,000 people at its presentation, it is under the magnifying glass of fans and the press. However, President Florentino Perez has asked for patience for the young striker. Unlike Vinicius or Rodrygo, Endrick should not carry the same pressure from the start.

Cristiano over Messi? Endrick and his response to comparisons between great players

As for comparisons, Endrick has been asked in a recent interview about players such as Neymar, Bellingham, Ronaldinho, Vinicius, Messi, and Cristiano. His answer was blunt: “Neymar or Bellingham? Bellingham. Ronaldinho or Vinícius? Vinicius. Messi or Cristiano? Cristiano,” Endrick replied to each question. These choices reflect his vision and preferences, but only time will tell if Endrick can follow in the footsteps of the big names he mentioned.

Endrick is a promising bet for Real Madrid. His talent and imposing physique make him a player to watch, and his debut at the Bernabeu will be an exciting moment for all white fans.

“It’s preseason. We’re working, and obviously there are things we can improve on. But in the end, we’re here to prepare, and so are they,” Courtois stated. He recently returned to full fitness after spending the 2023/2024 season recovering from a ligament and meniscus injury.

Courtois also assessed the performance of Endrick, Real Madrid’s new addition. “I’m not saying he’s nervous, but it’s normal to feel a bit more pressure when you’re playing for Madrid in big games,” Courtois said, referring to the Brazilian’s underwhelming debut in El Clasico.

He added, “Endrick has a lot of strength and power. Maybe he just needs to stay a bit calmer. But you can see in training that he has a great eye for goal and a lot of force.”

Real Madrid’s US tour continues

Following their 1-0 loss to AC Milan and the 2-1 defeat to FC Barcelona, Real Madrid will look to bounce back in their U.S. tour with a match against Chelsea. This game is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Afterward, the team will return to Valdebebas to continue their preparations.

When will Kylian Mbappe play his first match?

Kylian Mbappe is expected to play in the European Super Cup, in the clash between the winner of the Champions League (Real Madrid) and the winner of the Europa League (Atalanta) on August 14 in Warsaw.

A few days later, the former PSG forward will be able to make his debut in LaLiga, in the first match against Mallorca, at the Son Moix Stadium, on August 18.