Endrick's header rescues Madrid in Rome as Mourinho reveals he blocked summer loan

Endrick scored Real Madrid’s equaliser as they recovered from 3-1 down to beat Roma 4-3 at the Stadio Olimpico, with José Mourinho revealing after the match that he had personally blocked a summer loan request from the Italian club for the 20-year-old Brazilian forward.

Mourinho was unambiguous about his reasoning. “When Roma asked to take him on loan in the summer, I said it was impossible. I know what this kid is capable of,” the Madrid head coach said. Endrick headed in the goal that made it 3-3 before Antonio Rüdiger completed the turnaround in the 90th minute, sealing a dramatic Champions League victory.

From the fringes to the Olimpico

The intervention was all the more striking given how little Endrick had featured before the trip to Italy. According to Diario AS, his only previous appearance had been a four-minute cameo against Elche — also as a late substitute. The Roma match represented a sharp shift in his immediate fortunes, with the forward completing two successful dribbles and threatening the hosts beyond his equaliser.

Mourinho had already stated in August that Endrick would not leave Valdebebas, a position he reiterated when asked about the forward’s earlier muscle injury. The comeback in Rome offered a vivid illustration of why the coach had resisted a loan: Endrick added urgency and directness in attack at a moment when Madrid needed both.

A winger, not a centre-forward

AS report that Mourinho views Endrick primarily as a right winger rather than a conventional centre-forward. The coach selected Carlos Espí from three striker options presented by sporting director Juni Calafat, and considers the Spaniard and Endrick compatible because they can operate together in the same system.

Endrick himself struck a deferential tone when asked about his role. “If I’m supposed to play, Mou will put me on. And if not, he won’t. He’ll do what’s best for me. I’ll be ready to help however I can,” the forward said.

That acceptance does not resolve the underlying tension. Sports Illustrated report that Endrick has left open the possibility of a January departure, while Mourinho’s stated position is that a loan remains unnecessary — meaning the player’s openness and the coach’s preference are not aligned.

AS describe the Roma performance as a breakthrough and a starting point. Whether it translates into consistent minutes will depend on Mourinho’s selections in the weeks ahead, with Endrick’s ability to operate wide offering one route into a Madrid attack that already has considerable competition for places.