When Endrick He was young, even younger, he must have dreamed what any promising Brazilian footballer dreams of when he puts his head on the pillow: to be a professional in a big club, one like Palmeiras, to be a champion, to generate so much praise that his name begins to be heard around the world. all over the country, and all over the world; then, why not?, join the Brazilian National Team, and make his debut in a qualifying round, and then, go and score his first goal with that shirt in some emblematic stadium, one like Wembley, and also, he must have dreamed of being signed by a giant team, one like Real Madrid, is it too much to ask for? And one morning, waking up, rubbing his eyes, looking at the ceiling and realizing that nothing was a dream, but that it is true that at just 17, almost 18 years old, he has already done all that.
The quickest way for such a young forward to make such leaps is by doing what forwards called to be stars do, with goals. Score many, make them beautiful, score important goals. Only then does the name begin to have an impact. With goals, Endrick broke into the competitive environment of Brazilian football, where so many stars emerge daily. But this player not only scores goals, he plays with a special style, with that samba rhythm impregnated into his skin and legs.
Endrick, new figure from Brazil.
Photo:
And while all those things weigh on young Endrick, it was also his turn on the Brazil National Team. In November 2023 he received his first call up to the senior team and he couldn’t believe it. He made his debut against the Colombian National Team, in Barranquilla, in a World Cup qualifying match. That day, the rookie Endrick was waiting on the substitute bench, with his eyes excited and patient – or perhaps impatient to enter – until the coach at the time, Fernando Diniz, winked at him and Endrick entered the field at the Metropolitan Stadium. He had eight minutes of play and the memory is not that he likes it very much, yes, he made his debut, that remains in the books and in his memory, but his team lost 2-1. So when today he is asked about Colombia, he laughs and prefers to remember his first goal with Brazil, which was against England in a friendly at Wembley and with victory.
Now Endrick, before traveling to Madrid, will play the Copa América with Brazil, a great favorite, as always, in the United States. And Colombia, once again, will be on their way, because it is one of their rivals in group D. Before all that happens, the young Endrick answers these questions to EL TIEMPO, and his words carry the certainty of one who already He lives his dreams fully awake.
The day of his debut with the Brazil National Team was against Colombia in the World Cup qualifiers. How do you remember that moment in his career when he debuted so young (17 years old) and in general that match in which Colombia beat them?
The result was terrible. Defending Brazil, any defeat is horrible. We are obliged to beat everyone, even other quality teams, such as Colombia, which has a football similar to ours, which combines technique and physical strength. It was another step in my career, very important, but I prefer to remember my first victory, at Wembley (laughs).
That day Luis Díaz scored the two goals of the Colombian victory. What do you think of Luis Díaz, who today plays for Liverpool and is perhaps the most recognized Colombian player at the moment?
Luis is a crack. From the World Cup. I think he has already adapted to English football and will score goals like he did in Porto, where he was incredible.
Endrick celebrates goal.
Photo:
What does it mean for Endrick to face the Colombian National Team in the group stage of the Copa América? Will it be like a revenge?
I don’t think so, because Brazil always has to win. There is no game that we need to win more than another. If we had won the last one, we would need to win this one too. And Brazilian fans really like Colombia, they are very fond of it. Many Colombians played very well in Brazil. (Freddy) Rincón was one of those who played too much in Palmeiras.
Do you see Colombia as a rival that can challenge the Copa América title or are the favorites still Brazil and Argentina?
I think Brazil and Argentina will always be the most talked about, but Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador may surprise. They all have different players, who in a single move can decide the match. Football is very balanced and the different players decide in the details.
Endrick (right), the new jewel of Palmeiras.
Photo:
The Colombian Ríchard Ríos, who was his teammate in Palmeiras, has had a great season and is highly praised by Colombian critics. Furthermore, he is getting ready to be in the Copa América. What is your relationship with him like and what do you think of his football?
Why has Brazil lost dominance – it is sixth in the tie with 7 points – what has influenced the team not to be unbeatable like before in the tie?
I think Brazil is still seen as the main team on the continent, whenever it comes to any country, but like I said, the games are becoming very balanced. Today you can see everything from anywhere. All the teams, all the players. We grew up watching the movements, the passes, we learned a lot. There are many prepared coaches, on all teams. Nobody can play anyone by surprise now, and if we fail, even a little, any team can take advantage of that failure. Chile already won the Copa América and Once Caldas already won the Libertadores (2004), because they made fewer mistakes than the others.
Endrick, at his farewell to Palmeiras.
Photo:
Is Endrick ready to be Brazil’s star in the Copa América and lead the team in the World Cup qualifiers?
Endrick
Photo:
How do you imagine your arrival at Real Madrid will be? It’s like a dream come true?
Yes. I already said it. Real Madrid was not a choice, but a dream. When the Copa América is over I will start enjoying every hour before that day, which will be magical.
At your young age there is a lot of talk about you being the great diamond of Brazil. What are your dreams to fulfill in football or what steps do you want to follow?
Everything happened very quickly and that’s why everyone is anxious. I want to continue like this, winning and giving joy to those who support me, especially in Brazil. And, in Brazil, everyone wants the World Cup.
If you could choose between winning the Champions League with Real Madrid or the World Cup with Brazil, which would you prefer?
There will be time to fight for both and more than once. Who knows, winning the new (club) World Cup with Real Madrid next year and the following year with Brazil?
PABLO ROMERO
SPORTS EDITOR
@PabloRomeroET
More sports news
#Colombia #football #similar #ours.. #Díaz #crack #Endrick #pearl #Brazil
