Madrid has welcomed Endrick back from Brazil duty with a familiar question hanging over the young forward: when will his Real Madrid season properly begin? The 20-year-old returned to training on Tuesday after appearing for Brazil, including the match against India, and is now preparing for Villarreal’s visit on Saturday while he waits for a fuller opportunity under José Mourinho.
Back at Valdebebas after Brazil duty
Endrick trained alongside Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz and Denzel Dumfries after the international window. The group divided their session between indoor conditioning work and exercises on the pitch, with Madrid turning quickly towards their next league fixture.
- Endrick has played only four minutes for Real Madrid this season.
- Those minutes came late in the win over Elche.
- He missed the opening part of the campaign through injury.
- Strong competition across Madrid’s attacking positions has further limited his involvement.
Despite the small amount of action, there is no current move towards an exit from the Spanish capital. Endrick remains patient and believes his longer-term place is at Real Madrid.
Roma interest meets Madrid resolve
Roma have continued to monitor the Brazilian forward ahead of the January window, but there have been no discussions between the Italian club and Madrid over a transfer. The Giallorossi are understood to retain an interest in a loan arrangement when the market reopens.
The two clubs will meet in Rome in the Champions League on the 14th, a fixture that could bring the situation into sharper focus. Roma are expected to use the occasion to explore the possibility of taking Endrick on loan from January, although the player’s immediate intention is to stay in Madrid.
Mourinho has already made his position clear once. When Roma sounded out a possible move during the summer window, the Portuguese coach asked for Endrick to remain at the Bernabéu. The former Palmeiras striker is regarded positively by Mourinho and is considered a valuable asset within the club.
A different position from last season
The limited minutes recall the beginning of 2025/26, but Endrick’s circumstances have changed considerably. Last season, he was not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans and eventually joined Lyon on loan. At that stage, he was also outside Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil selections and needed regular football to strengthen his World Cup prospects.
That gamble paid off: Endrick reached the World Cup squad and was then included again in Brazil’s first selection after the tournament. He is viewed as one of the important figures in Brazil’s next international cycle, reducing the immediate pressure to leave Madrid solely in search of match time.
A decision point later in the year
Endrick and his representatives are due to review his position between the middle of November and early December, as they did in 2025. For now, he faces a difficult route into the side.
- Kylian Mbappé has been Madrid’s first-choice central striker, scoring nine goals in nine appearances.
- Carlos Espí has made five appearances, all from the bench, totalling 26 minutes.
- Espí has scored twice despite his limited playing time.
For Endrick, the coming weeks offer a chance to turn Mourinho’s faith into minutes on the field. Roma’s interest is real enough to follow, but Madrid remains the place where the Brazilian intends to make his next step.
