aManager Carlo Ancelotti gave young Endrik only a small amount of time during his time at Real Madrid, but now, as manager of the Brazilian national team, he appears ready to give the young striker a chance to fight for a place in the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup.
Endrick is experiencing one of the most important moments in his career. After leaving the merengue team to play in France, the striker was recalled to the Brazilian national team by coach Carlo Ancelotti, and this reunion confirmed the manager’s newfound faith in Endrik.
Lionel Messi’s magical goal shows he is ready for the World Cup
Squad for the friendly matches against France and Croatia that will serve as rehearsals for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Endrik, the call-up represents an opportunity to establish himself within the group and prove that his development in Europe will lead to fame in the green and yellow jersey.
Neymar is removed from the list
One of the most striking points for Brazil was the absence of Neymar, who is still recovering to his best fitness.
Ancelotti explained that the decision was not in response to a football issue, but rather a physical one. The coach made it clear that keeping his players in optimal condition is his top priority.
“If he arrives at the next World Cup at 100%, he will be available. Why is he not on this list now? Because he is not 100%,” the Italian coach explained when justifying the striker’s absence.
He also added that the coaching staff’s aim is to evaluate new players before deciding on the final list for the next World Cup.
Endrick’s development in Ligue 1
Since arriving at Olympique Lyonnais, Endrik has begun to build a new stage in his professional career. The young striker made a name for himself by earning opportunities in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Ancelotti has taken note of that performance and wants to revamp Brazil’s attack with young players who can bring speed, energy and goals in the coming years.
Brazil national team members announced
goalkeeper
Alisson Becker (Liverpool) Bent Mateusz Klepski (Al Nasr) Ederson Moraes (Fenerbahce)
defender
Alex Sandro (Flamengo) Bremer (Juventus) Danilo (Flamengo) Douglas Santos (Zenit) Gabriel Magalles (Arsenal) Roger Ibanez (Al Ahly) Leo Pereira (Flamengo) Marquinhos (PSG) Wesley Franca (Roma)
midfielder
Andrei Santos (Chelsea) Casemiro (Manchester United) Danilo Barbosa (Botafogo) Fabinho (Al Ittihad) Gabriel Sala (Galatasaray)
forward
Endric (Lyon) Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal) Igor Thiago (Brentford) Ju Pedro (Chelsea) Luis Enrique (Zenit) Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) Rafinha (Barcelona) Rayan Vitor Simplicio Rocha (Bournemouth) Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Neymar has been ruled out for now, but Rodrygo Goes’ recent injury could open up the opportunity for Neymar to sneak into manager Carlo Ancelotti’s short list.
