Real Madrid News
Brazil legend tears into Real Madrid star after costly World Cup miss: ‘He was terrible’
The debate surrounding Endrick’s performance for Brazil intensified after legendary striker Romario launched a fierce assessment of the Real Madrid forward following Brazil’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Brazil’s defeat against Norway in the Round of 16 ended their hopes of lifting the trophy, but much of the post-match discussion centred on Endrick and a missed opportunity that could have changed the course of the encounter.
The Real Madrid forward has long been viewed as one of the brightest talents in Brazilian football, yet his display raised concerns over whether he is ready to shoulder responsibility in the big matches.
Romario criticises Endrick after costly miss
After the match, Romario did not hold back when discussing the young attacker’s performance against Norway.
Despite acknowledging Endrick’s enormous potential, the Brazilian icon insisted that age cannot be used as an excuse when playing at the highest level.
“I like Endrick. He is going to be a player who will bring us a lot of joy… But against Norway, he was terrible.”
🚨🗣️ Romario on Endrick's performance vs. Norway: "I like Endrick. He is going to be a player who will bring us a lot of joy… But against Norway, he was TERRIBLE."
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 7, 2026
"Then people say, 'ah, but Endrick is young'… F*ck that, f*ck if he is young! He has to score that f*cking… pic.twitter.com/wC68s42HGm
The former World Cup winner then dismissed suggestions that Endrick’s age should soften criticism.
“Then people say, ‘ah, but Endrick is young’… F*ck that, f*ck if he is young! He has to score that goal. Young, middle-aged, old, f*ck it.”
With a superb delivery arriving from Vinicius Jr., the opportunity appeared tailor-made for the teenager to make his mark on the tournament.
Instead, Endrick struggled to control the ball, took a heavy touch and failed to convert from a promising position.
Endrick World Cup struggles expose difficult learning curve
Expectations surrounding Endrick’s World Cup performances had been enormous heading into the tournament.
Many fans had urged Carlo Ancelotti to hand the teenager a prominent role for Brazil, believing his talent could provide the spark needed in decisive matches.
Endrick with the miss of the World Cup. Norway are so lucky. 😬🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/2qew10Fmmz
— Konye (@Iam_konye) July 5, 2026
However, against Norway, the Real Madrid youngster endured a difficult evening.
His touch lacked precision, his confidence appeared affected, and he rarely managed to influence proceedings in attacking areas.
The missed opportunity served up by Vinicius only amplified scrutiny surrounding his display.
For long periods, Endrick found it difficult to impose himself, failing to provide creativity, movement or the sharpness expected from a striker leading the line for the Brazil national team.
While criticism may feel harsh, knockout football often leaves little room for errors, and Endrick has learned that the hard way.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
