Endrick starts for Brazil despite complete inactivity at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has selected Endrick as the starting striker for Brazil’s friendly against Australia on Friday in Townsville (12 p.m. French time), despite an almost non-existent start to the season at Real Madrid. The 18-year-old forward has played just five minutes for his club since August.

Sidelined by a muscle injury during summer preparation, Endrick missed the first four league matches. His only appearance amounted to a five-minute substitute outing against Elche, before remaining on the bench during the derby loss to Atlético de Madrid (1-2). José Mourinho prefers Carlos Espi, who has already scored twice this season.

The memory of the 2026 World Cup remains painful for Brazilian supporters: on July 5, in the New York suburbs, Endrick missed a decisive one-on-one against Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, attempting a left-footed chip that went wide. The Seleção then conceded Erling Haaland’s brace and was eliminated (1-2), in what marked Neymar’s international farewell.

For this friendly, Ancelotti deploys him as the striker with Estêvão, Raphinha and Vinícius in support. The absence of Alisson Becker and Ederson opens the door for Hugo Souza, Corinthians goalkeeper, who earns his second cap. Two players will earn their first caps: Matheuzinho, right-back also from Corinthians, and Vitor Reis, 20-year-old centre-back signed by Manchester City for €35 million before being loaned to Girona. In midfield, Danilo from Botafogo partners Bruno Guimarães, with Casemiro having retired from international football.

Brazil will play a second match against Australia four days later in Brisbane, then face India in Kolkata on October 4.

Starting XI: Hugo Souza — Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis, Douglas Danilo, Bruno Guimarães — Estêvão, Raphinha, Vinícius — Endrick.