Endrick’s Mysterious Absence: Why Real Madrid’s New No. 9 Hasn’t Played in 154 Days

Endrick Felipe, Real Madrid’s highly-touted Brazilian wonderkid, will have gone 154 days without playing a competitive match by the time Los Blancos face Getafe after the current international break. The 19-year-old forward, who cost Madrid €35 million plus €25 million in potential add-ons, last appeared on May 18 against Sevilla and has since become a regular unused substitute under new manager Xabi Alonso, raising serious questions about his future at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Timeline: From Promising Start to Complete Absence

When Endrick joined Real Madrid last summer after turning 18, expectations were sky-high. The Brazilian prodigy had dazzled at Palmeiras, prompting Madrid to secure his signature in December 2022—though FIFA regulations meant he couldn’t join until his 18th birthday.

His debut season showed promise. Endrick made 37 first-team appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals in 847 minutes—an impressive rate of 0.74 goals per 90 minutes that compared favorably to fellow Brazilians Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo during their debut campaigns.

The statistics suggested Endrick was on the right trajectory, with Madrid’s board using these comparisons to reassure the youngster he was progressing well. However, everything changed after that final appearance against Sevilla on May 18, 2025.

The Injury Nightmare: A Summer Lost to Rehabilitation

Endrick’s absence stems primarily from a hamstring injury sustained in that Sevilla match—a problem that would derail his entire summer and preseason. The timing couldn’t have been worse, as Real Madrid prepared for the Club World Cup in the United States with new manager Xabi Alonso at the helm.

While his teammates traveled to America for the prestigious tournament, Endrick remained in Spain, undertaking intensive rehabilitation at Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex. His recovery regimen was grueling: three training sessions daily with club specialists and his personal trainer who had worked with him since his Palmeiras days.

Endrick’s Summer Timeline:

The situation worsened dramatically during late June. After traveling to the United States to be closer to Alonso and the squad, Endrick participated in his first full training session with teammates in Palm Beach. He immediately suffered a recurrence of the same hamstring problem—a devastating setback that reset his recovery timeline completely.

Real Madrid chose not to issue a medical update, and players dispersed for summer break following the semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. For Endrick, this meant he wouldn’t be available until September at the earliest, requiring him to essentially start from scratch under the new manager.

Competition and Tactical Decisions

Beyond injury concerns, Endrick faces unprecedented competition for playing time at Real Madrid. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé—one of world football’s biggest stars—has fundamentally altered the attacking hierarchy. Add to that the established presence of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and other attacking options, and opportunities for a 19-year-old become scarce.

Xabi Alonso addressed this reality candidly before the Villarreal match: “There is a lot of competition now, in his position and in the surrounding areas as well. His time will come.” Those words proved prophetic, as Endrick sat unused on the bench during that 3-1 victory—the fifth consecutive match where he made the squad but didn’t play.

Sources familiar with the situation reveal that Alonso explicitly told Endrick it would be difficult to secure regular playing time in this season’s new-look squad. Despite this frank assessment, the teenager chose to remain at the Bernabéu rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.

Current Real Madrid Attacking Options:

The Gonzalo García Factor

Adding another layer of complexity is academy striker Gonzalo García’s emergence. The 21-year-old seized his opportunity during the Club World Cup—precisely when Endrick was injured—winning the tournament’s Golden Boot with four goals in six games.

García’s breakout performance came partly due to Mbappé’s illness keeping him out of three group stage matches, but the young Spaniard demonstrated clinical finishing and intelligent movement that caught Alonso’s attention. This success created an unexpected obstacle for Endrick’s path back into the team.

Initially, reports suggested García would receive Madrid’s iconic No. 9 shirt and a contract renewal to remain with the first team. Instead, that honor went to Endrick in August—a symbolic gesture indicating the club’s continued faith in their Brazilian investment. The No. 9 jersey previously graced the backs of legends including Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ronaldo Nazário, and Karim Benzema.

Yet despite receiving this prestigious shirt number, Endrick hasn’t worn it in competitive action. He remains on the bench while García also struggles for minutes, suggesting Alonso’s preference for experienced options in crucial moments.

The Carlo Ancelotti to Xabi Alonso Transition

Endrick’s situation was further complicated by the managerial change from Carlo Ancelotti to Xabi Alonso. During his first season, there was consensus that Ancelotti’s well-documented reluctance to trust young players limited Endrick’s opportunities.

When asked about Endrick and Arda Güler in May, Ancelotti stated that prospects at their age needed to “warm the bench” until becoming undisputed starters—a philosophy that frustrated many observers given the teenagers’ talent.

Alonso’s appointment at the end of May raised hopes for a fresh start. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder built his reputation at Real Sociedad and Bayer Leverkusen partly on developing young talent and implementing progressive tactics. His arrival seemed perfect timing for Endrick and other youngsters seeking greater roles.

However, injuries and increased competition have prevented this fresh start from materializing. Alonso has praised Endrick’s qualities—”He has an eye for goal, he needs very little to shoot, he has a brutal finish, he also picks out space very well“—but kind words haven’t translated into playing time.

Brazil’s Absence: International Concerns Mount

Compounding Endrick’s club struggles is his exclusion from Brazil’s national team. This marks the third consecutive international window where he hasn’t been called up, with his most recent appearance being the disastrous 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March that led to coach Dorival Junior’s dismissal.

Ironically, Ancelotti—Endrick’s former club manager—replaced Dorival as Brazil coach and also hasn’t selected the teenager for recent friendlies against South Korea and Japan. Sources suggest Ancelotti maintains affection for Endrick from their time together at Madrid, but clearly believes the youngster needs regular club football before returning to the national team.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Endrick’s international prospects grow increasingly uncertain. The tournament represents a crucial career milestone, and his current situation threatens his chances of participating.

Personal Life and Professional Dedication

Despite professional setbacks, Endrick’s personal life has progressed. Upon returning to Madrid in August, he married partner Gabriely Miranda in a celebration at a Spanish country estate following their legal wedding in Brazil. The couple honeymooned in Japan—but even this took on a professional dimension, as Endrick brought his personal trainer to continue hamstring rehabilitation work.

This dedication illustrates the maturity that everyone at Real Madrid highlights when discussing the teenager. His commitment to overcoming obstacles and maintaining peak physical condition has impressed club officials, even if results haven’t yet materialized on the pitch.

The specialists involved in Endrick’s rehabilitation have helped him understand his body better. The muscle injuries he suffered at Palmeiras, combined with two recent hamstring problems, meant he needed comprehensive healing rather than rushed returns. This careful approach aims to prevent future issues, though it extends his current absence.

The January Decision: Loan or Stay?

Those closest to Endrick have maintained a consistent plan: review his situation in January to ensure the best chance of making Brazil’s World Cup squad. This reassessment could result in a loan move for the second half of the season if playing time at Madrid remains limited.

Real Sociedad were reportedly interested in taking Endrick on loan during the summer, though sources close to the player deny serious discussions occurred. A January loan would provide regular football in a competitive league, potentially reviving both his club form and international prospects.

However, loans carry risks. Would six months elsewhere prepare him better for Real Madrid’s demands, or would it signal the beginning of his exit from the club? Madrid’s history includes numerous young talents who left on loan and never returned to prominence at the Bernabéu.

Potential January Scenarios:

Thiago Freitas, Endrick’s agent at Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports, expressed confidence to The Athletic: “He has already proven he always makes the most of his minutes on the pitch.” The statistics support this claim—0.74 goals per 90 minutes is an elite conversion rate—but opportunities to demonstrate this efficiency remain absent.

What Lies Ahead?

When Real Madrid travel to Getafe for their first post-international break match, 154 days will have passed since Endrick last played competitive football. For a 19-year-old at a crucial developmental stage, this represents a significant lost period.

The coming months will prove decisive. If Alonso begins integrating Endrick gradually, the youngster could still salvage his season and force his way back into Brazil’s World Cup plans. His talent remains undeniable—seven goals in limited minutes during his debut campaign demonstrated genuine quality.

However, continued absence raises uncomfortable questions. Can Endrick justify his €60 million price tag without playing? Will patience eventually reward Madrid’s investment, or has the combination of injuries, competition, and tactical decisions created an insurmountable obstacle?

Everyone at Real Madrid praises Endrick’s maturity, dedication, and talent. These qualities helped him become one of South America’s most coveted prospects. Now he needs all three to remain patient until his opportunity arrives—and then capitalize ruthlessly when it does.

The iconic No. 9 shirt sits waiting. Legends wore it before him. Whether Endrick eventually adds his name to that illustrious list, or becomes a cautionary tale about elite football’s unforgiving nature, remains to be written.

For now, the wonderkid sits, waits, and works—hoping his time will indeed come, as Xabi Alonso promised.

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