THey, I want to steal your shine.” Endrik is having the most complicated days since arriving at Real Madrid. The young Brazilian striker, destined to be one of the great stars of the future, is having a difficult time not being part of Xabi Alonso’s plans (he has played just 11 minutes so far this season). In the midst of all this turmoil, and with the youngster likely to leave the club in the winter transfer window, his father has resurfaced on social media. To justify my son’s situation at the club.
It’s not the first time something like this has happened. A month ago, when the situation started to get out of control and the distance between the players and the coaching staff became increasingly clear, Douglas Souza appeared on social media for the first time, remembering that the Brazilian had not played since before the Club World Cup. “Son, I know how hard you work and how much you give every second of your day. I know what you are capable of. You are a winner and you are showing everyone that you are a true warrior. Even if someone tries to dim your light, your star will continue to shine. I believe your future is right around the corner.”
Neymar’s fans storm onto the pitch to hug their star player, but accidentally injure a teammate.
Phrases full of symbolism
In soccer, the Bible verse from Matthew 23:12, “He who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted,” has special power, and it is no coincidence that Endrik’s father chose it. After yet another substitution and another zero minutes, his message sounded like a poison dart, aimed both at his son and, indirectly, at those who manage his minutes at the club.
In an environment where talent can quickly turn into fame, and fame can quickly turn into arrogance, this quote serves as a warning. Soccer ends up punishing those who think they are better than anything else. On the other hand, those who remain humble and understand that there is always more to learn, that success is fragile, and that the team comes before the individual, are more likely to grow, gain respect in the locker room, and find opportunities reserved only for those who work quietly.
The message from his father was accompanied by an image of Endrik sitting alone on a bench at the Bernabeu. A phrase full of symbolism…and an image of Brazilian loneliness that says it all. Meanwhile, the door to his departure from Real Madrid is getting closer and closer after the white No. 9 was shown a red card during the chaos of the final game.
