Endrick Backs Ancelotti To Continue Making Hard Decisions At The World Cup

Endrick has stressed that accepting a substitute role for Brazil at the World Cup leaves Endrick calm, and Endrick has expressed full trust in Carlo Ancelotti’s choices. Despite strong public calls in Brazil for more minutes, Endrick has insisted that Ancelotti’s focus on the collective makes sense and that any decision about Endrick’s involvement belongs to the coach.

The 19-year-old forward has appeared three times for Brazil at this World Cup, all from the bench, totalling 79 minutes. Endrick came on for the injured Lucas Paqueta at half-time in Brazil’s dramatic late victory over Japan, a result that set up a last-16 meeting with Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Many supporters have argued Endrick should start, yet Endrick insists Ancelotti is right to put Brazil’s needs first. Endrick praised Ancelotti’s willingness to take difficult calls, even when they do not favour individual players, and described a complete commitment to follow instructions whenever Ancelotti sends Endrick onto the pitch.

Endrick said, "He won't do what's best for me, he'll do what's best for the team, Endrick said. He's not afraid of making the hard decisions; he does what he thinks is right, and things happen. It's as if God is watching over him. Because whatever Carlo does, things just work out. When the manager tells me to do something, I won't look back; I'll just do what he asks."

Ancelotti knows Endrick well after signing Endrick from Palmeiras in 2024 for Real Madrid. Endrick has struggled to adapt to life in the Spanish capital, and game time under Xabi Alonso has not always been clear. During the second half of the 2025-26 season, Endrick joined Lyon on loan and recorded eight goals and eight assists in 21 matches.

That spell in France helped keep Endrick sharp for Brazil’s World Cup campaign, where Endrick now competes with 25 other squad members for minutes. Endrick views selection as a collective contest rather than a personal battle and believes that the experience at Madrid and Lyon has prepared Endrick to respond quickly when asked to play.

Endrick mindset, faith and Brazil World Cup targets

Asked if the uncertainty over playing time for Brazil might unsettle Endrick after similar experiences at Madrid, the forward described a composed approach. Endrick focuses on routine, prayer and patience, convinced that opportunities with Brazil will arrive at the correct moment during this World Cup campaign.

Endrick said, "I reckon I'll sleep like a baby, Endrick added. I'll be really at peace because, before I go to sleep, I think the most important thing is what I do: saying my prayers, talking to God, and being confident that things will happen at the right time."

Brazil aim to secure a fourth consecutive World Cup victory when Norway visit New York New Jersey Stadium in the last 16. That sequence would be Brazil’s first run of four straight wins at the tournament since 11 victories between 2002 and 2006. Brazil have advanced from nine of their last 10 World Cup last-16 ties, failing only in 1990 against Argentina, losing 1-0.

Endrick views simply making Brazil’s 26-player World Cup squad as a major career step and remains convinced that readiness is key. Endrick said, "I'm very grateful to be here; for me, just being part of this squad and playing in a World Cup is a victory in itself, Endrickadded. I'm very well-prepared for this moment, but there are 26 of us players, and we're all waiting for our chance. The important thing is to be ready when that chance comes along."