Endrick’s start to the season at Real Madrid has fallen short of the high expectations that surrounded his arrival. The Brazilian talent arrived with plenty of hype, but injuries have slowed his adaptation to Xabi Alonso’s intense pace, limiting his time on the pitch and hindering a smooth integration into the team.
This uneven start has taken a toll on his confidence and his ability to settle into the squad. Endrick clearly possesses quality, yet his reduced availability makes it hard for him to demonstrate it consistently and build momentum.
Compounding the challenge is the looming pressure ahead of the 2026 United States World Cup. For a youngster with international ambitions, minutes from the outset are crucial to keep the projection alive. Endrick is also mindful of preserving his form for the Canarinho, and from Valdebebas there is talk of a January loan that could help him regain rhythm and return sharper, even as he has stressed his desire to stay and succeed at Bernabéu.
Meanwhile, Gonzalo García, another academy product, has taken full advantage of the opportunities Alonso has provided. García has made a quick and impressive impact, bringing energy to Madrid’s attack and delivering solid, consistent performances from his first appearances. His success in La Liga and in the rotation system has stood in contrast to Endrick’s ongoing setback, highlighting a growing internal competition.
Endrick now faces a crossroads. He needs regular minutes to maintain form and confidence, but injuries have left him out of rhythm and restricted his chances to impact games. Alonso and the club leadership continue to trust his talent, but they also recognize that a decisive run of healthy, steady performances will be essential for him to reclaim a leading role.
The situation remains uncertain, but it is clear that opportunities exist. Real Madrid is closely monitoring Endrick’s development. A January loan could be the ideal move to help him rebuild match fitness, regain confidence, and return ready to take on a central role. For the time being, Endrick’s ambition to stay at the club and prove himself remains intact, while García’s emergence serves as a reminder that in Madrid, only consistent contributions secure a place in the rotation.
What to watch next is how the club balances Endrick’s need for minutes with the immediate pressure of a long season and the ongoing competition from García. If Endrick can stay fit and string together a run of performances, the path back to a starting position at Bernabéu remains open. The season is still young, and the talent involved suggests there are plenty of chapters left to be written for both players.