Brazil’s 17-year-old prodigy Endrick admitted he was almost overcome by emotion after the Real Madrid-bound forward became the youngest men’s player to score an international goal at Wembley.
Endrick, who will move from Palmeiras to Madrid at the end of the season when he turns 18, struck in the 80th minute, nine minutes after coming on as a substitute, to give Brazil a 1-0 win over England in a friendly on Saturday.
“My family is here, my girlfriend, my agents. I am not much of a crier, I am holding myself, but this is something unique and I am very happy,” he said.
Based on his second half cameo, Madrid has secured another major talent for the future.
Coming on for Rodrygo in the 71st minute, Endrick wasted little time to make his mark, firing into an empty net after Vinícius Júnior was denied by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Endrick could not hide his delight as he raced away in celebration and dropped to his knees, even though he did have to wait for VAR to confirm the goal following a check for offside.
It was his first senior goal for Brazil and, at the age of 17 years, 246 days, a record for an international game at Wembley, according to statistician Opta.
He might have scored another, but could not beat Pickford with a late chance.
“All of this affected me a little at the end, the chance I had at the end. I will not lie,” Endrick said. “I was just thinking about scoring. I could only think about that. I couldn’t think about the match any longer.”
Brazil coach Dorival Junior, who was taking charge of the national team for the first time, said Endrick has all the tools to become a global star.
“If he keeps up the attitude he has shown up to now, he will be a very important name in Brazilian football and world football,” Dorival said.
He said he opted to bring Endrick off the bench rather than the more experienced Richarlison because the Tottenham Hotspur player was still recovering his form after an injury.
Endrick’s one goal was enough to win the match and end England’s 21-game unbeaten streak at the national stadium.
“We know he’s a dangerous player. He’s managed to follow in for the goal,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “We should have defended the goal better than we did. It’s a brilliant moment for him.
Madrid secured a deal for Endrick in December 2022 when he was just 16 but already tipped to be one of Brazil’s next stars. Brazilian media said the transfer was worth nearly €60 million ($64 million).
He will be 18 in July.
Last year, he helped Palmeiras win the Brazilian league from 12 points behind Botafogo at one stage.
He will join other Brazil stars at Madrid such as Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
Photo Credit: CBF_Futebol/ X
