Endrick changes the game… but not the call

Endrick returned to the Brazil national team after more than a year and needed only minutes to make an impact. Coming on in the 76th minute against Croatia, he quickly shifted the momentum of the match.

The young forward won the penalty that broke the deadlock and immediately picked up the ball, ready to take it. But from the sideline came a different instruction: he wouldn’t be the one to shoot. The decision raised eyebrows given his instant influence on the game.

Ancelotti’s explanation

After the match, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the situation directly. The penalty taker had already been decided beforehand, with Matheus Cunha as the first option. Once he was substituted, the responsibility fell to Igor Thiago.

“The penalty already had a designated taker. We practiced them, and Thiago did very well,” the Italian coach explained, making it clear that the call was about respecting the team’s structure rather than a lack of trust in Endrick.

A performance that raises questions

Beyond the penalty decision, what truly stood out was Endrick’s overall impact. He didn’t just win the spot kick—he also provided the assist for the 3-1 goal scored by Gabriel Magalhães in stoppage time.

His performance created a new dynamic within the squad. Ancelotti admitted it himself: he now has “more doubts” regarding his final squad for the 2026 World Cup, especially after the strong showing from the younger players.

Endrick makes his statement

The timing of his return couldn’t have been better. After more than a year away from the national team, Endrick came back and delivered a performance that is hard to ignore.

He didn’t take the penalty he earned… but he made something even clearer: he’s ready to be a factor. And at this stage, that might matter even more for Brazil.

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