Endrick didn’t just return to Brazil’s national team. He used a few explosive minutes to remind everyone why they can’t ignore him ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
After struggling to find consistent minutes at Real Madrid, the young forward opted for a reset, moving on loan to Lyon. The change gave him what he had been missing: rhythm, confidence, and goals. That resurgence earned him another opportunity with Brazil, and this time he made sure it counted.
Against Croatia at Camping World Stadium, Brazil were still in a tense moment late in the match when Endrick entered in the 76th minute. Within moments, he tilted the game in Brazil’s favor. He drew the penalty that pushed Brazil ahead 2–1, and just two minutes later he provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli to finish the contest. In less than a quarter of an hour, he turned a tight situation into a win.
The performance sparked immediate reaction back home. The impact, some said, was the kind of spark people usually associate with Neymar, a player Brazil still hopes can be available again, even as fitness issues continue to cloud the picture. Endrick, however, offered something different: a direct, aggressive, vertical style that can be decisive in short tournaments like the World Cup.
After the match, Endrick spoke openly about the pressure he feels and the fear of being left out of the 2026 squad. He said he prays before stepping on the pitch and believes hard work is the only answer.
Brazil are entering a transition period, and other newer faces are starting to push their case as well. But with a long list of attackers competing for places, Endrick’s message was simple: he’s not waiting for permission anymore. If he gets even a small window, he can change a match, and possibly Brazil’s World Cup story.
