Endrick is yet to arrive at Real Madrid, which he will do next summer, but expectations are already sky high surrounding the youngster. That was always bound to happen. The Palmeiras wonderkid is considered the biggest talent in Brazilian football since Neymar and has earned comparisons with Ronaldo Nazario.
Last year, Real Madrid agreed a transfer package believed to be around €60 million to sign him from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024. And it is already looking like a bit of a masterstroke.
Endrick scored 11 goals in the league last season as Palmeiras won the Brazilian Serie A. Only Ronaldo Nazario managed more in a single campaign as an u-18 player.
Thus, Real Madrid fans are expecting Endrick to be special. And he has named Cristiano Ronaldo as his biggest idol. As reported by GOAL, the Brazilian wonderkid told A Bola:
"He's my biggest idol, a player who broke all records by being an exemplary, dedicated player. He is more than an athlete, he is a guy that everyone should have as an example, because no matter the moment, he wants to be the best, he wants to win titles, he wants to achieve milestones, in addition to being a person who shows humility. He is a reference for any player who wants to go further in their career."
Endrick names Real Madrid legend as his biggest idol
Ronaldo is arguably the best player in Real Madrid history. He is the club's highest ever goalscorer, played an instrumental part in four Champions League-winning campaigns and won four Ballon d'Ors during his time at Santiago Bernabeu as well.
If Endrick can achieve even half of that, he would go down as one of the best players in the history of the game. Of course, it is important not to put pressure on him to perform from the get-go.
Endrick must be given time to adjust to his new surroundings, like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were. The Palmeiras wonderkid has all the attributes to be one of the best in the game. Now, it is all about his development.
Fortunately, Real Madrid have a fantastic recent record when it comes to developing Brazilian wonderkids into first-team superstars. One would hope that Endrick follows that same path.