Brazilian striker Endrick, 19, continues to be valued at 35 million euros by Transfermarkt, despite no playing time in the 2025/2026 season for Real Madrid. The player, signed from Palmeiras for 35 million euros fixed plus 25 million in bonuses in 2022, stayed on the bench during the 2-0 victory over Villarreal last Saturday, October 4, at the Santiago Bernabéu. The situation highlights the competition in the forward line and a thigh injury that sidelined him for months.
The lack of opportunities comes under manager Xabi Alonso, who took over in July and prioritizes rotations with Kylian Mbappé and Gonzalo García up front. Endrick, wearing No. 9 since August, played 37 games in the previous season, scoring seven goals in 845 minutes. The Spanish club maintains confidence in the young talent, but analysts note the need for more game time to justify the total investment of up to 70 million euros in the deal.
- Key stats for Endrick at Real Madrid up to 2025:
- 37 games played;
- 7 goals scored;
- 845 minutes on the field;
- Market value stable at 35 million euros.
😎⚽💪 pic.twitter.com/woAFVEGOj5
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 6, 2025
Path of the signing that transformed Palmeiras
Real Madrid finalized Endrick’s purchase in December 2022, when the striker was 16 and shining in the Palmeiras youth setup. The deal included an initial 35 million euros, equivalent to R$ 198 million at the time, plus variables that could raise the total to 70 million euros, or R$ 437 million. This transaction became one of the largest sales in Brazilian football history, surpassing deals like Vinícius Jr.’s to the same club.
Endrick joined the Madrid side only in July 2024, upon turning 18, in line with FIFA rules for minors’ transfers. At Palmeiras, he played 82 games and scored 29 goals, contributing to titles like the 2024 Paulistão. The departure provided immediate financial impact to the São Paulo club, which used the funds for reinforcements and infrastructure investments.
Impact of the injury on his game schedule
Endrick suffered a right thigh posterior muscle injury on May 18, 2025, during a La Liga match against Sevilla. The issue kept him out of the FIFA Club World Cup and preseason, with an initial recovery estimated at six weeks. In July, a setback worsened the situation, extending the absence to up to ten weeks and preventing participation in U.S. friendlies.
Real Madrid’s medical department closely monitored the case, with scans confirming progress in the hamstring tendon. The Brazilian returned to group training in September, taking part in light sessions before the Espanyol game. Despite the comeback, Xabi Alonso chose caution, keeping him as a bench option in five straight matches.
The injury coincided with Gonzalo García’s strong form, who scored four goals in the Club World Cup and took the starting spot. Endrick missed about 20 potential games, including Champions League qualifiers.
Loan rumors that didn’t materialize
Clubs like West Ham, Valencia, and Real Sociedad inquired with Real Madrid about a possible loan for Endrick in January 2026. The English side, in particular, saw the Brazilian as a solution for their attack, but talks stalled due to the player’s and club’s refusal. Endrick expressed a desire to stay in Madrid to gain internal experience, similar to Vinícius Jr.’s path.
The Madrid board dismissed temporary moves, prioritizing the young player’s adaptation to the European pace. Rumors emerged after the May injury, but his staff focused on full recovery. In August, his contract until 2030, with an annual salary of 4.5 million euros, reinforced his stay.
Sources close to the Bernabéu suggest Alonso plans gradual integration, focusing on fluid attacking pairs. The stable valuation reflects potential, despite 1,892 minutes accumulated in 2024/2025.
Inherited No. 9 shirt and attacking competition
Endrick took the No. 9 shirt in August 2025, after Mbappé switched to Modric’s 10, who moved to Milan. The numbering symbolizes trust, but the forward line features Mbappé, with 13 goals in nine games this season, and García, with six appearances. The Brazilian plays as a center-forward or second striker, adapting to Alonso’s scheme with floating duos.
In the previous season, Endrick provided a decisive assist against Barcelona in October 2024. His seven goals came from second-half substitutions, averaging 22.8 minutes per game. The manager praised his finishing in a recent press conference, forecasting minutes in lower-pressure matches.
Recent training and expectations for November
The striker joined the week’s first training session during the international break on October 6, alongside Bellingham, Valverde, and Tchouaméni. Without a Brazil national team call-up, Endrick focused on physical conditioning at Valdebebas. Alonso highlighted his progress in interviews, reviewing match contexts for insertion.
The international pause provides time for tweaks, with Real Madrid aiming for La Liga leadership. Endrick, with 14 caps for Brazil and three goals, eyes a spot in the 2026 World Cup. His agent, Roc Nation, manages his image with 15 million Instagram followers, boosting jersey sales.
