Real Madrid News
Official: Real Madrid future star Endrick receives first-ever call-up to Brazil national team
Earlier today, Brazil manager Fernando Diniz announced the squad list for the Selecao’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
And, the biggest surprise of the announcement came in the form of the inclusion of future Real Madrid star Endrick.
The 17-year-old forward, who signed for Real Madrid in December last year, but continues to ply his trade with Palmeiras until he turns 18, has received his first-ever call-up to the Brazil national team setup.
Endrick in a good moment
After having had a rather slow start to the year with Palmeiras, Endrick has burst into form in recent weeks.
The 17-year-old wonderkid has netted 11 goals and set up one more in 47 appearances in 2023, with three of his strikes coming in the last two games against Botafogo and Athletico Paranaense.
The teenage prodigy had come under pressure earlier in the season due to his lack of minutes and prominence but is starting to show his pedigree and potential in recent matches.
And, that has been duly rewarded by Brazil boss Fernando Diniz, with Endrick now a part of the squad to face Colombia and Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers later this month.
Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr. also feature
As expected, Real Madrid superstar forward duo of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes also make the squad list for Brazil’s upcoming matches against Colombia and Argentina.
With Neymar Jr. unavailable due to a serious injury, there will be some pressure on Rodrygo and Vinicius to step up and deliver in the matches coming up in over a couple of weeks.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
🆚 @en_sscnapoli #UCL pic.twitter.com/MarLb7TavA
Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
