Real Madrid News
Real Madrid talent’s future once again in focus after disappointing World Cup campaign
The latest Real Madrid news has centred around Endrick, with the Brazilian youngster returning to Spain after a frustrating 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 19-year-old forward leaves the tournament without a goal, without a single start and with fresh uncertainty surrounding his place in Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid squad ahead of the new season.
According to AS, the biggest question now is what role Endrick will play under Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager is yet to make a decision on the Brazilian striker, who will report back to Valdebebas after his summer break, hoping to convince the new coaching staff that he deserves regular opportunities.
With fierce competition for places already in attack, Endrick’s Real Madrid future might once again become one of the talking points this summer.
Endrick’s World Cup ends in disappointment
The World Cup never truly got going for the young forward.
After remaining on the bench throughout Brazil’s opening match, Endrick was finally given an opportunity against Haiti and immediately looked determined to make an impression.
He thought he had done exactly that when he found the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The latest opportunity arrived in Brazil’s knockout clash against Norway. With the score still level, Carlo Ancelotti introduced the Real Madrid striker in search of a breakthrough.
His biggest chance came after an outstanding outside-of-the-boot pass from Vinicius Jr,, but Endrick’s heavy first touch prevented him from finishing one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Moments later, Norway found the decisive goal that eliminated Brazil from the tournament, leaving Endrick to end the competition without the breakthrough performance he had hoped for.
Understandably, the disappointing campaign has only increased speculation surrounding Endrick’s role at Real Madrid as Mourinho prepares for his second stint at the club.
Gonzalo Garcia vs Endrick
Endrick’s challenge will not become any easier once he returns to Madrid, as he will face direct competition from academy striker Gonzalo Garcia, whose future has changed significantly since Mourinho’s arrival.
Mourinho believes assessing the La Fabrica graduate is more important than rushing into another departure.
The competition is genuine, as Gonzalo impressed with eight goals and three assists last season, while Endrick enjoyed a productive loan spell at Lyon, contributing eight goals and eight assists in just six months.
That battle could become one of the defining stories of Real Madrid’s pre-season, with both players looking to secure an important role in Mourinho’s plans.
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.
