Can Endrick Become a Key Figure at Real Madrid?

It's been almost nine months since Endrick last featured for Real Madrid. That match was one almost no one wanted to play, except for Kylian Mbappé, who was chasing Cristiano Ronaldo's goal-scoring record for a calendar year. It was the team's first King's Cup fixture last season, on December 17, 2025, in Talavera de la Reina.

Even then, it was clear that the relationship between Xabi Alonso and the dressing room had fractured, with the game ending in a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Endrick already knew he was moving to Olympique Lyon to ensure he didn't miss the World Cup. Almost nine months later, his situation hasn't improved much. His current physical condition keeps him at the back of the queue. However, if Mourinho has shown him anything, it's that he counts on him.

Here's how Madrid's "AS" continues its analysis of Endrick's situation:

"The Brazilian is almost ready to make his season debut in the team's sixth match. A vaguely explained muscle injury – somewhere between caution and secrecy – has kept him sidelined until now. The clash against Rayo this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu is earmarked for his return. The question remains how this will unfold and how much playing time he'll get. Mourinho warned about his condition before the Inter match, and the diagnosis is unlikely to have changed significantly in just three days:

"He's ready to play five or ten minutes at most..."

When Endrick was informed of his return to Real Madrid, his expected role was to be Mbappé's primary backup and an auxiliary if the team needed to bolster its attack with more central forwards. In practice, Gonzalo's anticipated departure guaranteed him this. However, Kylian's ambition to give his all in pursuit of the Ballon d'Or after his World Cup record, coupled with Espi's decisive breakthrough, significantly complicates his position.

In Endrick's favor is the fact that he is a more mobile forward than Espi. So much for the good news, because there's a crucial detail. His versatility could be utilized on the right wing – precisely the position where the fiercest battle for a starting spot is taking place. Even the €125 million paid for Diomande doesn't guarantee him a privileged position.

Güler is the player who most frequently occupies that spot. He started three of the first four matches and was suspended for the fifth against Inter. His performances have been highly rated, while Brahim also performs well when given the opportunity.

In such a situation, Endrick can at least take comfort in Mourinho publicly backing his stay at Real Madrid, despite significant interest from several clubs, including Roma.

"There were many offers, but I didn't want to loan him out or sell him because I like him," the Portuguese stated a few weeks ago. "He possesses important qualities."

These are the qualities the coach wants to start utilizing. The beginning could be this Saturday, followed by the match at the Martínez Valero, with the idea being for Endrick to gradually and carefully become another weapon for the upcoming derby."