Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa: The Promise of Brazilian Football
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, known simply as Endrick, is a young Brazilian footballer who has captivated the football world with his talent and determination. Born on July 21, 2006, in Taguatinga, Federal District, Endrick plays as a forward for Real Madrid in La Liga and the Brazilian national team. His journey, marked by overcoming adversity, exceptional skill, and an unrelenting mindset, positions him as one of the greatest prospects in global football. This article explores Endrick’s life, career, and impact on the sport, highlighting his path from a humble childhood to international stardom.
Childhood and Early Challenges
Origins in Taguatinga
Endrick was born in Taguatinga, a satellite city of Brasília, into a humble family consisting of his parents, Douglas de Sousa Silva Ramos and Cíntia Ramos Moreira, a younger brother, Noah, and two sisters. Endrick’s childhood was marked by financial and personal hardships that shaped his determination to succeed in football. His parents faced extreme adversity, including times when they struggled to provide for the family. When Endrick was 11, his father, a former footballer pursuing a professional career with smaller Brasília clubs, temporarily left the family to chase his dream. During this period, Endrick’s unemployed mother, unable to afford housing, could not care for her children, leading Endrick and his siblings to live in an orphanage in São Paulo for six months.
This experience was a turning point for young Endrick. He vowed to himself and his family that he would become a professional footballer to lift them out of hardship. “I saw my father struggling to feed us, and that motivated me to never give up,” Endrick said in interviews. His determination was fueled by an early love for football, which began at age four, kicking balls on the streets of Taguatinga.
First Steps in Football
Endrick’s passion for football was nurtured by his father, Douglas, who also dreamed of being a player. To attract attention from major Brazilian clubs, Douglas recorded Endrick’s goals and posted them on YouTube. These homemade videos showcased a boy with natural talent, capable of dazzling dribbles and precise finishes, even at a young age. At eight, Endrick attended a Real Madrid training camp in Águas Claras, where his skills impressed scouts. He grew up idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo and drawing inspiration from other Brazilians who shone at Real Madrid, such as Ronaldo Nazário, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Éder Militão.
Despite early interest from São Paulo, which evaluated Endrick for two years, the club couldn’t meet the family’s financial needs. Palmeiras stepped in, offering not only a spot in their youth academy but also an apartment for the family and a job for Douglas as a cleaner at the club. This decision changed Endrick’s life and marked the start of his meteoric rise.
Youth Career at Palmeiras
Standout in the Copinha
At 11, Endrick joined Palmeiras’ youth academy, where he quickly stood out. Over five years, he scored an astonishing 165 goals in 169 matches across youth categories, showcasing an extraordinary goal-scoring ability. His breakout came in the 2022 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (Copinha) at age 15, when he led Palmeiras to their first title in the competition. Endrick scored eight goals in seven matches, including a stunning bicycle kick against Oeste and the opening goal in the final against Santos. He was voted the tournament’s best player by fans, drawing international media attention and interest from top European clubs.
“I always dreamed of playing for Palmeiras and helping my team win. The Copinha was a special moment where I showed the world what I’m capable of,” Endrick told Globo Esporte. His mesmerizing dribbles, physical strength, and goal-scoring instinct attracted clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City.
Professional Debut
On October 6, 2022, Endrick made his professional debut for Palmeiras, coming off the bench in a 4-0 win against Coritiba in the Brazilian Série A. At just 16 years, two months, and 16 days, he became the youngest player to feature for Palmeiras’ senior team. Just 19 days later, on October 25, he scored his first two professional goals in a 3-1 win over Athletico Paranaense, becoming the second-youngest scorer in Brazilian Série A history.
In the same year, Endrick contributed to Palmeiras’ 2022 Brazilian Série A title, scoring in a 4-0 win against Fortaleza that clinched the championship with three rounds to spare. He ended the season as the league’s most promising player, a remarkable feat for a 16-year-old. In 2023, Endrick continued to shine, helping Palmeiras win the Brazilian Série A again, the Supercopa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Paulista in 2023 and 2024.
Transfer to Real Madrid
The Call to Europe
Endrick’s talent didn’t go unnoticed by European giants. In December 2022, at age 16, Real Madrid announced his signing for €35 million, with an additional €25 million in performance bonuses, a record fee for such a young player. Due to rules prohibiting international transfers before age 18, Endrick stayed with Palmeiras until July 2024, when he officially joined the Spanish club.
“Playing for Real Madrid is a dream. I grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s games and imagining myself on that stage. Now it’s my turn to prove my worth,” Endrick said upon signing. His arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu was met with high expectations, especially given his emotional connection to the club as a lifelong fan.
Debut and First Goals
Endrick debuted for Real Madrid on August 25, 2024, coming off the bench in a 3-0 La Liga win against Real Valladolid, scoring the third goal. At 18 years and 35 days, he became the youngest foreign player to score for the club in the competition, surpassing Raphaël Varane. On September 17, he scored in his Champions League debut, sealing a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart. At 18 years and 58 days, he became the youngest player to score for Real Madrid in the competition and the youngest Brazilian scorer in its history.
In the 2024-25 Copa del Rey, Endrick shone, scoring five goals in a single campaign, matching a feat by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2012-13. He finished as the tournament’s second-top scorer, cementing his reputation as a lethal forward. Despite a tendon injury that sidelined him for the season’s final match against Real Sociedad, Endrick ended his first season with three starts in 22 La Liga matches, scoring one goal and showing potential for a bigger role in the future.
International Career
Youth International Debut
Endrick began representing Brazil in 2022, when he was called up to the U-17 team for the Montaigu Tournament in France. He scored five goals in four matches, including one in the final against Argentina, and was named the tournament’s best player, helping Brazil win the title for the first time since 1984.
Although selected for the U-20 team for the 2023 South American Championship, Palmeiras did not release him due to their preseason. In 2024, Endrick played for the U-23 team in Olympic qualifiers, scoring two goals in seven matches, but Brazil failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Senior Team Breakthrough
On March 23, 2024, Endrick made history by scoring against England at Wembley at 17 years and 246 days, becoming the youngest male player to score an international goal at the stadium. His goal, which secured a win for Brazil, placed him alongside legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar, who also scored for Brazil as teenagers. “It was an unforgettable moment. Scoring at Wembley against England is something I’ll never forget,” Endrick said after the match.
Playing Style and Inspirations
A Complete Forward
Endrick is a left-footed forward with a powerful shot and remarkable finishing ability. Despite his modest height (1.73m), he combines physical strength, speed, and technique, making him a formidable opponent. His mentality is one of his greatest assets: “I always fight. I’m persistent and keep trying until the last minute. I never give up, press defenders, and run more than anyone on the pitch,” Endrick described.
Compared to Brazilian legends like Ronaldo, Pelé, and Romário, Endrick rejects these comparisons, particularly with Pelé, stating he wants to build his own legacy. However, he acknowledges Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence, inspired by his desire to win and clutch scoring ability. “Cristiano is my idol. He’s decisive in front of goal, and I want to follow that example,” Endrick said.
Cultural and Family Impact
Endrick’s story is deeply rooted in his family and Brazilian culture. His parents, Douglas and Cíntia, were pivotal in his journey, providing emotional support and making sacrifices to help him chase his dream. Endrick’s grandmother, Teresa Sousa, and grandfather, Jose Louvado, also played significant roles, offering guidance and stability. His Pardo ethnicity, a blend of European, Native Brazilian, and African heritage, reflects Brazil’s diversity, much like other players such as Ronaldo Nazário and Felipe Anderson.
Achievements and Future Prospects
Titles and Awards
By 2025, Endrick has won numerous titles, including:
Palmeiras:
- Brazilian Série A: 2022, 2023
- Supercopa do Brasil: 2023
- Campeonato Paulista: 2023, 2024
Real Madrid:
- UEFA Super Cup: 2024
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2024
Individual:
- Best Player, Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior: 2022
- Best Newcomer, Brazilian Série A: 2022
- Best Player, Montaigu Tournament: 2022
Endrick’s Future
At 18, Endrick is already regarded as one of the world’s top talents. His first season at Real Madrid, though with limited minutes, showcased his potential to become a regular starter. With Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo in the squad, Endrick faces competition, but his youth and talent suggest he could become a key player.
For the Brazilian national team, Endrick is seen as the future number 9, with expectations to lead Brazil in World Cups and other international competitions. His determination and tireless work ethic position him for a legendary career. As he said, “I don’t think about the future. If I focus on the present, the future will come faster.”
Conclusion
Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa is more than a footballer; he is a symbol of resilience, talent, and hope for Brazil. From a challenging childhood in Taguatinga to shining on the pitches of Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, Endrick embodies the essence of Brazilian football: passion, skill, and perseverance. His story inspires millions of young people in Brazil and beyond, showing that with hard work and determination, dreams can become reality. The football world is watching Endrick, and he is ready to write his own legacy.
