Manager dismisses urgency around the youngster featuring for Brazil and insists he has time
Carlo Ancelotti has rejected claims that he advised Endrick to leave Real Madrid in search of playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Reports in Brazil had suggested the veteran coach encouraged Endrick to move on loan to boost his chances of featuring in the national team next year. The forward is expected to join Lyon in January, with both clubs and the player having reached a verbal agreement for a short-term deal that would see the French side pay half of his salary.
Endrick has played just 11 minutes this season and has fallen down the pecking order since Xabi Alonso replaced Ancelotti at Madrid in May. But the Italian, now in charge of Brazil, insisted he never told the teenager to seek a move.
“We’re evaluating him,” Ancelotti said. “But it’s not true that I said Endrick should leave Real Madrid to go to the World Cup.
“That’s a matter between Real Madrid and the player. He needs to talk to the club and make the best decision for himself and for Real Madrid.”
The Brazil coach reiterated his support for the young forward, describing him as “a very important player” and one of the most promising talents to emerge from the country in recent years.
Endrick joined Madrid shortly after turning 18 in July 2024 but has struggled for game time. He made only seven starts under Ancelotti that season and his opportunities have dwindled even further under Alonso. He has played just 11 minutes so far under the Spaniard.
Ancelotti said: “He was injured, but now he’s fine, back, and he has to think with his entourage about what’s best. Talk to the club, to see what’s best for him.
The teenager has been omitted from the Brazil squad for four consecutive international windows. Ancelotti downplayed the urgency surrounding his chances for Brazil and the possibility of featuring at the World Cup.
“Endrick is very young, this won’t be his last World Cup,” said Ancelotti. “He could play in the 2026 World Cup, because he has the quality for it, but he could also be in the 2030 World Cup, or the 2034 World Cup, and maybe even the 2038 World Cup.
“I believe it’s important for him to get back to playing and show his qualities.”
