Real Madrid stays committed to nurturing Brazilian talent through its youth system. Following the signings of Vinicius and Rodrygo, the Whites sealed the acquisition of Endrick Felipe Moreira de Souza, the newest jewel emerging from Rio de Janeiro’s football scene.
60 million… or 70
Like Vinicius and Rodrygo, Endrick was pursued by Real Madrid before turning 18. The reported cost hovered around 60 million euros, with 35 million fixed and 25 million variable. In Brazil, some sources pushed the total up to 70 million. Madrid paid more than 45 million for Vinicius on the same day Rodrygo joined, and both players have appreciated in value, becoming key figures for Brazil on the world stage at the Qatar World Cup.
Representatives from Palmeiras, Real Madrid, and Endrick reached an agreement during the fifth fair on the 15th, with the transfer slated for July 2024 when Endrick would be 18. The specific terms remained confidential. pic.twitter.com/3LgPSEDU0T
— SE Palmeiras (@Palmeiras) December 15, 2022
Endrick is distinct from his peers. He carries a mix of Romário’s flair and a blend of the explosive first movement typical of Brazilian forwards. His strength and pace mark him as a forward who thrives in dynamic goal-scoring areas. His father once posted videos of his son online to promote his prospects, leading Palmeiras to secure a contract for the boy. He pursued football as a means to support his family, and his breakthrough arrived at the Copinha, Brazil’s premier youth showcase. In the 2022 edition, he earned Player of the Tournament honors after netting seven goals in seven matches and guiding Palmeiras to the title.
After Endrick’s signing, June Caulk emerged as a pivotal figure. The Spaniard, raised in Sao Paulo, became Chief Scout and International Football Director at Real Madrid at 49. He arrived at Valdebebas in 2014 and was instrumental in securing Vinicius, Rodrygo, as well as Federico Valverde from Uruguay and Militao from Brazil. His eye for talent also contributed to later acquisitions such as Camavinga and Odegaard for the club.
At 16, Endrick follows the same path laid by Real Madrid when courting promising Rio de Janeiro talents that European giants have coveted. Barcelona showed persistent interest, even meeting with Palmeiras and Endrick’s father, with Xavi Hernández reportedly involved in discussions during the last approach.
Madrid’s success with Vinicius and Rodrygo has seen Brazil’s rising stars align with the White team. At the Bernabéu, nostalgia gives way to confidence as coaches like Ancelotti or Zidane empower young talents. The club’s history of producing Ballon d’Or winners — from Benzema, Modrić, and Ronaldo Nazário to Cannavaro, Owen, and Figo — continues to loom large over its ambitions.
Time will tell whether the 60 million or 70 million price tag proves excessive. The Rodrygo and Vinicius bets paid off, and now the expectation turns to Endrick, who is already a subject of strong skepticism within Madrid about his immediate integration. Signed amid the World Cup, a tournament where Florentino Pérez often reveals his readiness to act, Endrick represents a bold wager in Real Madrid’s ongoing talent strategy.
‘World Cup’ transfers
Since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Real Madrid has welcomed several notable players: Mesut Özil, Sami Khedira, and Ángel di María. In 2014, James Rodríguez, Toni Kroos, and Keylor Navas joined the squad. After 2018, the arrivals included Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, who helped secure a third-place finish for Belgium. Endrick is forecast to become a substantial figure for Brazil in the coming years, building toward a prominent role with red-and-white success anticipated for the next decade.