Endrick transforms Brazil’s performance: ‘I felt a sense of urgency’

Brazilian prospect Endrick has expressed that he experienced “a sense of urgency” to demonstrate his abilities after entering the match in the 79th minute during Brazil’s friendly against Croatia, where he played a role in two goals contributing to a 3-1 victory on Tuesday.

With the match tied at 1-1, Endrick, 19, was awarded a penalty that Igor Thiago successfully converted. He subsequently assisted Gabriel Martinelli for Brazil’s third goal.

“I won’t deny it — I felt this urgency to perform well,” Endrick stated.

“And after receiving a message from my wife, all the pressure and anxiety I had been experiencing just dissipated. I am incredibly thankful to my wife and to God for their presence in my life, and I believe that was absolutely vital.”

Endrick was visibly emotional following the match. He made his debut for Brazil in November 2023 but was excluded from all of Carlo Ancelotti’s lineups after facing limited playing time at Real Madrid during the initial part of the 2025-26 season.

Since moving to Lyon on loan in December, he has scored six goals and provided five assists in 14 appearances for Les Gones, which has led to his return to the national team.

Endrick did not participate in last week’s 2-1 loss to France, so he felt a sense of pressure to perform well if given the opportunity against Croatia.

“I had this sense of urgency,” he remarked. “After hearing my wife say that just being here was already a victory, regardless of whether I played, scored, or assisted, all the pressure lifted.”

Ancelotti is set to announce his World Cup squad on May 18, and Endrick remains optimistic. “Whatever we can do for Brazil, we will do,” he stated. “I have no doubt about that. We will continue to work hard, as nothing speaks louder than effort.”

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Regarding Endrick’s performance, Ancelotti commented after Tuesday’s victory: “The newcomers present have capitalized on their chances. The entire group is satisfied with the contributions of the new players, including Endrick and Danilo from Botafogo.”

Brazil’s captain Casemiro, on the other hand, emphasized the necessity of protecting the young players on the national team from the significant pressure leading up to the World Cup. A Seleção has claimed the World Cup title five times, but their last victory was in 2002.

Their best result since then was a fourth-place finish in 2014, when they hosted the tournament. “We understand that expectations for the national team are always extremely high,” Casemiro stated after Tuesday’s match.

“We must shield them from this pressure. Nowadays, everyone has an opinion. We need to protect this squad, especially given the number of young players involved.

“There is a considerable gap between the generations of 1992 and 2000. We must cherish these moments. The work is being executed well.”

Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge in May of last year after departing Real Madrid, Brazil has experienced mixed outcomes.

“We must be realistic because it has been a challenging cycle, but we know it is about being prepared when the moment arrives, uniting, and entering the World Cup strong,” the Manchester United player remarked.

“People are aware that it has been somewhat difficult for everyone. A lack of cohesion, ongoing changes, and adjustments. We recognize that improvements are necessary.

“Once we have the full squad available, it will never be an issue — particularly for the Brazilian national team, a source of top talent. We will arrive strong.”

Brazil will face Panama at the Maracana stadium on May 31 before traveling to the United States for their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup against Egypt on June 6, in Cleveland.