Endrick decries Brazilians’ treatment of Neymar while Ronaldo and Messi are supported at home

Real Madrid forward in waiting Endrick can’t understand Brazilians constant criticism of Neymar.

The prodigy is especially uncomfortable about the negativity surrounding Neymar in Brazil. “Look what happens. In Portugal, Cristiano is an idol. All people like him. In Argentina, Messi is an idol. All people like him. In Poland, Lewandowski is an idol. And you see what they do with Neymar here in Brazil. It seems that Brazilians don’t like him. This leaves the player a little shaken, and sad. But I try not to think about it so as not to get upset. I want to make Brazilians happy with the Brazilian team.”

The Brazilian Ronaldo is one of Endrick’s touchstones in the game. Another is Cristiano Ronaldo, both idols of Real Madrid, his next club. With more than 7.5 million followers on social media, Endrick is starting to get used to being among the biggest stars. He has received messages of congratulations from Ronaldo and also from Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo.

 “They are spectacular players. They always send messages and comment on my photos on Instagram. And knowing that one day I will be with them is a very good thing. I’m very happy. But I need to live one day at a time. The future belongs to God.”

In July next year, Endrick will play with Vinícius Júnior, like him Brazilian and black, and who has suffered from racism. Endrick experienced the same ugly insults when he was 10 and is frustrated by a lack of action against the perpetrators. “My aunt went to the police station to report it, but nothing came of it,” he says. “Since we were little we know that racists are not punished, that nothing comes of it. So I stand with Vini, Rodrygo, and everyone in football.”

 “It was a wonderful experience. The national team is a place where I feel comfortable because I played there on the youth team. I already knew everything. Being able to return was an inexplicable, unique feeling for me. I remember the first time I wore a Brazilian shirt. I got goosebumps. My stomach got cold playing. It was against Mexico, in Montaigu. That time I put on my shirt and went to the mirror to see how I looked. Thank God that game was lucky for me. I scored a goal. After that game and the goal, I felt calmer. The shirt fits me very well. That day went very well. I was strong.

With all the difficulties he and especially his parents have had in life, Endrick is aware of the responsibility he carries. “Today I can have fun on the field. I have fun on the field. I have fun playing football. That’s what I want to do in my life. Because if I’m not happy, nothing will work out. My childhood was not the one that every child has, always playing and going to school. But it was for a good cause and I just have to thank God for all the life I have nowadays.”