Striker Endrick, considered one of the great hopes of Brazilian football, was called up for the national team for the first time on Monday at just 17 years old, within a Seleçao deprived of the injured Neymar.
The jewel of Palmeiras, who will join Real Madrid when he comes of age in July 2024, will have the opportunity to make his international debut during the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, in Colombia on November 16, and against Argentina , on the 21st, at the Maracana stadium in Rio.
“He has the potential to be a great talent. This call-up is not an additional pressure, it is a reward, and also a way of looking to the future,” coach Fernando Diniz declared at a press conference. Endrick, for whom Real paid 72 million euros according to the Brazilian press, has scored three goals in the last two league matches with Palmeiras.
He was notably the architect of the incredible comeback against leader Botafogo on Wednesday, scoring twice in the 4-3 victory for his team, which was trailing 3-0 at half-time. At 17 years and three months, he is the youngest to be called up for the Brazilian team since Ronaldo in 1994. “He is currently experiencing the best moment of his career, standing out against great Brazilian teams,” summed up Diniz, winner of the Copa Libertadores on Saturday with Fluminense.
In the absence of Neymar, the Seleçao attack has been largely overhauled. Diniz also called for the first time Joao Pedro, 22, author of a good start to the season with Brighton, Paulinho, 23, who plays for Atlético Mineiro, Pepê, 26, from FC Porto. One of the main surprises is the absence of Richarlison (Tottenham), the starting center forward of the Seleçao during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Seleçao suffered in the last two days last month, with a 1-1 draw against Venezuela and a 2-0 defeat against Uruguay. During this setback against Celeste, Neymar seriously injured his knee and is expected to remain away from the field for many months. Another captain of the Seleçao, captain Casemiro, midfielder of Manchester United, injured his hamstring on Wednesday against Newcastle, in the FA Cup (3-0 defeat) and will be unavailable “several weeks”, according to his club.