In Brazil, it is rare to find a child who will not one day pursue football. For Douglas Sousa, a cleaner at Palmeiras, that very realisation struck when he noticed his three-year-old son, Endrick Felipe, confidently kicking a bicycle as if it were a football. Little did he know that these early displays of skill would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Douglas began sharing videos of his son’s feats on social media, initially without any grand expectations. Yet, those clips quickly caught the eye of Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s premier football clubs. At just 11 years old, Endrick was inducted into the club’s youth ranks, soon earning the nickname “the Wonder Boy of Brazilian Football” for his prodigious talent.
Within five years, Endrick had scored over 150 goals in youth competitions, earning a place in Palmeiras’ senior squad. There, he shattered a 106-year-old club record: He became the youngest player to score for the senior team at 16 years and three months, surpassing Heitor’s 1916 record of 16 years and 11 months.
| Club | Achievement | Previous Record Holder | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmeiras | Youngest senior goalscorer | Heitor (1916) | 16y 3m 7d |
| Palmeiras | Total youth goals (5 years) | – | 150+ |
Endrick’s meteoric rise attracted European attention. PSG expressed interest, but Real Madrid secured his signing for €63.6 million, a significant increase on Palmeiras’ €40 million valuation. As per the agreement, Endrick joined Los Blancos after turning 18.
Before moving to Spain, he debuted for the Brazil national team, becoming the youngest player since Ronaldo in 1994 to do so—a dream start for any Brazilian forward.
Real Madrid: High Expectations Amid Competition
Upon arrival at Real Madrid, Endrick faced intense scrutiny, often compared to legends like Ronaldo and Pelé. While he contributed a handful of crucial goals and assists, competition from established stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham meant regular starting appearances were limited. Kylian Mbappé’s presence as the team’s focal point only added to the challenge. Consequently, Endrick often found himself on the bench, which also cast a shadow over his World Cup aspirations.
A Royal Rebirth at Lyon
Seeking regular playtime, Endrick joined Olympique Lyonnais on loan. The move revitalised him. In Lyon’s attacking setup, he became the central figure, impressing with lightning-fast dribbles, clinical finishing, and composure under pressure. In just five matches, he scored five goals, including a hat-trick, earning plaudits from fans and media alike as “Lyon’s new king.”
| Club | Matches Played | Goals | Hat-tricks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | 5 | 5 | 1 |
His consistent performances have also caught the eye of Brazil’s national team coaching staff, enhancing his chances of inclusion in the upcoming World Cup. In a squad abundant with attacking talent, form remains the decisive criterion for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Endrick’s journey from a promising young boy in Brazil to Lyon’s star striker is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the power of opportunity. With continued progress, his presence in both club and national team colours is no longer just a dream—it is becoming a tangible reality.