Endrick Impresses in Debut Despite Real Madrid's Loss to AC Milan
On a warm Wednesday evening at Chicago's Soldier Field, 61,568 enthusiastic fans gathered to watch Real Madrid face off against AC Milan in a friendly match. While the final scoreline read 1-0 in favor of AC Milan, the spotlight was firmly on 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Endrick, who made his much-anticipated debut for Real Madrid.
A Star is Born
Endrick, an exciting young forward, stepped onto the pitch amid significant hype. Despite missing many of their top players, including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes, Real Madrid fans were eager to see what the youthful squad, and particularly Endrick, could bring to the table. The young Brazilian did not disappoint.
During his 45 minutes on the field, Endrick registered only one shot on goal, but his ability to maneuver in tight spaces and his agility were undeniable. Even though he was substituted at halftime as part of manager Carlo Ancelotti's larger rotation plan, his talents were evident to everyone present.
Immediately following the match, Ancelotti had nothing but praise for the youngster. ‘He's someone who has something truly special. He's very fast and very dangerous in tight spaces. He has the ability to turn with speed in little space, and he's very agile in getting himself free. All these qualities make him a great talent. It's rare to see a player with these characteristics,’ Ancelotti commented. With such high praise from a respected manager like Ancelotti, the future looks incredibly bright for Endrick.
Samuel Chukwueze Decisive Goal
While the excitement centered on Endrick, the match itself was a competitive affair. Despite the absence of several key players, Real Madrid showcased moments of strong gameplay, indicating a promising pre-season form. However, it was Samuel Chukwueze, the skillful Nigerian winger, who sealed the game for AC Milan.
Chukwueze’s decisive goal came in the 56th minute, a well-executed strike that caught Real Madrid’s defense off guard. Managed by Paulo Fonseca, AC Milan demonstrated discipline and cohesive play, clinching their second victory in two pre-season matches and further cementing their preparedness for the upcoming season.
Learning and Building
For Real Madrid, the match was one of learning and assessment. Ancelotti’s post-match comments highlighted a balance of optimism and realism. ‘We competed, we fought, we did some good things. The first game of the pre-season with a lot of youngsters, the important thing was to compete which we did for the whole game. There were some good moments and others we could improve on, but that's normal,’ he stated. The focus remains on growth and utilizing these pre-season matches to fine-tune their strategies and foster young talent like Endrick.
Next Stop: El Clasico
The next significant test for Real Madrid will be an installment of ‘El Clasico’ against their traditional rivals, Barcelona. This match, set to take place in New Jersey, is eagerly anticipated by fans globally. It's yet another opportunity for young talents to shine and for the team to gauge their readiness against formidable opponents.
As the team's pre-season tour in the United States continues, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and expectation. The debut of Endrick has fueled optimism among fans, a beacon of youth and potential heralding a new era for Real Madrid. While the loss to AC Milan serves as a moment of reflection and recalibration, it’s clear that the journey ahead is one filled with promise and anticipation.
Anticipating Stars Return
With the likelihood of stars like Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and others returning, the dynamics of Real Madrid’s gameplay are set to shift significantly. These matches are not just about winning but about understanding the team’s depth, fostering young players, and preparing strategically for the competitive season ahead.
Endrick’s debut, even in a loss, was a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that football brings. Fans will no doubt be watching closely as Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in their next challenge, eager to see how the team evolves and readies itself for the heights of competition.
In conclusion, the friendly match against AC Milan, highlighted by Endrick’s promising debut, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s praise for the young Brazilian underscores a future filled with potential, and the journey through these pre-season fixtures will undoubtedly forge a stronger, more cohesive squad ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
Endrick’s movement in tight spaces was mesmerizing. You could see the instinct in every turn, like he was reading the defense before it happened. Not flashy, not overbearing-just pure football intelligence. This is the kind of player who doesn’t need 10 touches to change a game.
Let’s be real-this is just a glorified scrimmage with a marketing budget. Ancelotti’s praising him because he’s the only kid who didn’t trip over his own feet. The ‘special’ label is just PR fluff for a kid who hasn’t faced a real press yet.
He’s not ready. The defense was a mess. You can’t judge talent on a friendly against a rotated Milan side.
It is imperative to acknowledge that pre-season fixtures serve as invaluable diagnostic tools for managerial evaluation. The emergence of Endrick, while not indicative of immediate top-tier readiness, does suggest a promising developmental trajectory consistent with elite academy outputs.
Bro, this kid is the future! I’ve watched him in Brazil’s youth leagues-his first touch is like silk, and his acceleration? Unfair. He doesn’t need Mbappé or Vinícius to shine-he’ll make them better. Real Madrid didn’t just sign a player, they signed a legacy. This is bigger than one match. This is the start of a new dynasty. You think Ancelotti’s just being nice? Nah. He knows. He’s seen it before. And he’s not wrong.
I’m not sold yet. One good half doesn’t make a star. He needs to prove it against tight defenses, not against a Milan squad playing 15-year-olds in the back line. Let’s wait until La Liga.
Honestly, I’m just so happy for him. This is what football is supposed to be about-hope, potential, joy. He didn’t score, but he made people believe again. That’s worth more than a goal sometimes.
So let me get this straight… the entire world is losing its mind over a kid who had one shot and got subbed off at halftime? Bro, I’ve seen better in backyard soccer. This is the same hype machine that made Mbappé a god at 17. We’re all just tired.
Endrick’s body control is elite. Even when he’s not getting the ball, he’s creating space for others. Watch how he drags defenders out of position-it’s like chess with feet. He’s not just fast, he’s smart. And that’s rarer.
I’m SO excited!!! This is it!!! This is the new era!!! Endrick is the future!!! He’s going to win the Ballon d’Or!!! I can feel it!!! I’m crying!!!
This is why football is dying. They’re hyping up a kid who barely touched the ball because he’s ‘Brazilian’ and ‘young.’ Where’s the accountability? Where’s the data? This is just nostalgia dressed up as scouting.
They’re testing him in the US because they know he’s not ready for Europe. This is all a distraction. The club’s hiding something. Why not debut him in Madrid? Why Chicago? Coincidence? I think not.
I just love seeing young players get this kind of chance 💖 It’s not about stats-it’s about heart. Endrick’s smile after the match? Priceless. Keep going, little star 🌟
endrick is kinda sus tbh. he looked like he was trying to be vinicius but forgot how to dribble. one shot? bro he barely moved. give him a year in la liga before we start calling him the next pele.
You know what’s impressive? He didn’t look overwhelmed. Most 18-year-olds in a stadium that size would freeze. He moved like he belonged. That’s the real sign of talent-not the stats, but the calm. He’s got that quiet confidence that legends have.
endrick was kinda good i guess? he had that one move where he spun away but then just stopped. maybe he needs more training. still, cool to see him out there
I’ve seen this before. The hype cycle. He’ll fade into obscurity by next season. The system doesn’t nurture youth. It consumes them.