Why 'The New Pele' Is Still Fighting For a Spot on Brazil's 2026 World Cup Squad

Brazilian forward Endrick, who joined Real Madrid in 2022 but struggled for playing time before being loaned to Lyon in January 2026, has reignited his World Cup hopes with impressive performances in France, putting himself back in contention for Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad under national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, who previously worked with the young talent at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old's journey has been a rollercoaster since his high-profile move from Palmeiras, with initial struggles at the Bernabeu followed by a remarkable resurgence at Lyon that has reminded the football world of the talent that once made him one of the most sought-after prospects on the planet. At the start of 2026, Endrick's prospects seemed bleak as he managed only 99 minutes of first-team action in the first half of the season at Real Madrid, with then-manager Xabi Alonso preferring homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia. The situation became untenable, leading to a loan exit that has proven to be the catalyst for his career revival. Since joining Lyon, Endrick has quickly rediscovered the electrifying form that made him famous, registering six goal involvements in his first seven appearances, including a hat-trick against Metz that made him the youngest player to score three goals in a single game for Lyon in 54 years. Despite his impressive resurgence, Endrick still faces significant challenges in securing his place on Brazil's World Cup squad. The Selecao boasts arguably the most attacking depth of any national team, with established stars like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and others ahead of him in the pecking order. Additionally, while his goal-scoring instincts have returned, signs of immaturity remain, as evidenced by his recent red card at Nantes, which his current coach Paulo Fonseca described as a learning experience. Ancelotti, who witnessed Endrick's talent firsthand at Madrid and even advised him to leave to boost his World Cup chances, will have to weigh these factors against the teenager's undeniable potential when finalizing his squad for the North American tournament.