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Brazilian striker Endrick has candidly spoken about the challenges he faced at Real Madrid, sharing how teammates Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold kept him motivated through regular phone conversations. The youngster expressed deep gratitude for their constant encouragement, which helped him regain confidence ahead of his six-month loan move to French side Lyon, even though he finds it nearly impossible to understand their English accents.

Endrick returns after Lyon loan

Endrick is back at Real Madrid following a fruitful six-month stint in Ligue 1 with Lyon. After struggling for regular game time among Madrid’s galaxy of stars, the 19-year-old’s temporary spell in France proved crucial in helping him rediscover his rhythm. His impressive performances there have now earned him a call-up to the Brazil national squad. The forward, whose contract with the Bernabeu club runs until June 2030, appears rejuvenated and eager to make an impact upon his return.

Endrick recounts his early struggles at the Bernabeu

The teenager praised the unity and mutual support within the Real Madrid dressing room for helping him stay grounded during his adaptation to European football. Speaking in an interview with Men in Blazers on YouTube, he reflected: “The first year is always tough. When you join a club with players like [Luka] Modric, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, it’s very difficult to get playing time, but you also learn a lot. I’ve managed to apply what I learned at Lyon, and when I return, I’ll be ready to show it at Madrid.”

Breaking into the starting eleven was a challenge, but Endrick revealed that the emotional support he received from teammates made a huge difference. “Bellingham calls me every day,” he said. “When I was down, he’d cheer me up, and we’d talk. He’s helped me a lot. Trent too. They’re really approachable players. I try to learn from them, including English, but it’s impossible to understand them.”

Rediscovering his scoring touch

The forward described his loan move to Lyon as a turning point in his career. “It wasn’t hard to go to Lyon,” Endrick said. “God told me I had to go, and I went. I wasn’t afraid; it’s been one of the best decisions of my life. I needed to play regularly. I’ve scored goals, provided assists, and played a lot of minutes.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup, Endrick expressed his pride in representing Brazil and his admiration for both Neymar and national coach Carlo Ancelotti. “Playing in a World Cup is the greatest thing. Representing my country is a dream come true,” he said. “The World Cup means everything to Brazilians, and it’s been a long time since we last won it. Neymar has Brazilian DNA—he’s one of our greatest ever. I have a great relationship with Ancelotti; he’s an excellent coach and understands you as a person. I know they both have a lot of respect for me.”

World Cup challenge ahead

Endrick heads into the World Cup in fine form, having recorded five goals and seven assists in 16 appearances for Lyon. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, who now manages the national team, the young forward hopes to build on his 16 international caps alongside the returning Neymar.

Brazil will kick off their Group C campaign against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday, June 13, before taking on Haiti and Scotland in their subsequent fixtures.