Endrick opens up on Real Madrid struggles and World Cup dream

Endrick joined Olympique Lyon on loan from Real Madrid in January 2026 in search of regular first-team football after injuries disrupted his progress in Spain.

Speaking to The Guardian, the teenager admitted he had struggled mentally with criticism earlier in his career and often allowed social media reactions to affect him.

"I no longer pay attention to what others say," Endrick explained. "When you remove that from your life, things become easier. I only focus on football and helping my team."

The Brazilian said he once checked social media immediately after matches looking for praise, but eventually realised it was damaging his confidence.

"When I started, I dealt with criticism very badly," he said. "I wanted people to praise me and inflate my ego, but that's not healthy. Now I stay calm after games and focus on recovery instead."

Endrick also opened up about the injury setback he suffered during his time in Madrid, admitting the experience left him frightened about what could happen next.

"I was really afraid," he said. "I cried several times in private because you don't know if you'll return weaker or suffer another injury. You lose the chance to fight for your place in the team."

The young forward praised Bellingham for helping him settle at the club during that difficult period.

"Bellingham was really important to me," Endrick said. "He made me feel welcome at the club. He spoke to me, stayed by my side and always tried to help me. He's an incredible player and an incredible person."

He also highlighted the influence of veteran midfielder Luka Modric, whose professionalism impressed him throughout his first season in Madrid.

"Modric taught me a lot," Endrick explained. "Even at 40 years old he trained every day and always wanted to improve. Watching him was like a football masterclass."

Now focused on finishing the season strongly with Lyon, Endrick says his biggest ambition remains representing Brazil on football's biggest stage.

"My dream is to play the World Cup and help Brazil," he said. "First I need to perform well at Lyon and do everything possible to earn my place."

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