Real Madrid’s teenage prodigy, Endrick, has been dealt a bitter blow just as he was preparing to embark on his much-anticipated journey at the Santiago Bernabéu. After recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in May, the 17-year-old Brazilian forward has suffered a devastating relapse—one that will now keep him sidelined for at least two more months.
This setback arrives at the worst possible time. With a new era underway under manager Xabi Alonso, Endrick was expected to begin integrating into the senior squad, gain match fitness during pre-season, and possibly compete for minutes in the upcoming campaign. But those plans have now been shelved.
Despite carrying the injury, Endrick made a bold and heartfelt decision to travel with the Real Madrid squad to the United States for the FIFA Club World Cup. Although he was not expected to play, he wanted to be part of the early days of Alonso’s tenure—an act that reflected his maturity and desire to succeed at the club.
“He trained with the group and wanted to convince the coach to stay,” Spanish sources close to the club revealed. Endrick reportedly pushed through individual sessions in hopes of impressing the coaching staff. Unfortunately, his body couldn’t keep up with his ambition.
According to journalist Marcos Benito on El Chiringuito, Endrick aggravated the same injury during a training session before returning to Spain. The issue stems from the common hamstring tendon in his right leg—precisely the same area injured on May 21st in a game against Sevilla.
“He relapsed during a session, and it’s the exact same problem as before,” Benito said. “He’ll be out for roughly two months. It’s a big blow for the boy and the club.”
With this prognosis, Endrick will likely return to full fitness around mid-September. This timeline means he’ll miss all of Real Madrid’s pre-season matches, the start of the LaLiga campaign, and possibly the early rounds of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Before the injury setback, discussions were reportedly underway for a potential loan move. Clubs in Spain and Portugal had shown interest in taking Endrick for the 2025/26 season. The idea was to ensure he played regularly and developed in a less pressurized environment.
But with this new timeline, that plan is off the table. Clubs are unlikely to pursue a deal for a player who will be unavailable for nearly two months. Medicals can’t be conducted before the transfer window closes, and Real Madrid are understandably reluctant to send him out without clear guarantees.
Instead, Endrick will remain in Madrid, focusing entirely on recovery. He will work closely with the medical and fitness team at Valdebebas, away from the spotlight. For the young star, this recovery period will also be a mental challenge, as he watches teammates compete while he battles for fitness.
To compound matters, 20-year-old striker Gonzalo García has seized his opportunity in spectacular fashion. During the FIFA Club World Cup, García was Madrid’s top scorer and played with a level of confidence that caught Xabi Alonso’s attention.
With Kylian Mbappé now a permanent fixture in Madrid’s frontline and Joselu continuing to offer experience and physical presence, Endrick suddenly finds himself slipping down the pecking order. García’s emergence only makes the fight for minutes more intense.
Endrick, who cost Real Madrid €72 million including bonuses, is a long-term project. But this latest development is a sobering reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. Timing, fitness, and form all play a crucial role in carving out a place in one of the world’s most competitive squads.
What lies ahead for the teenager is a path full of challenges. Once cleared to return, Endrick may need to find his rhythm with Castilla (Real Madrid’s reserve side), just as Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo did during their early months in Spain.
Alternatively, he might wait for opportunities in Copa del Rey fixtures or late-season rotation matches, when the squad is stretched. But the road to regular first-team appearances now looks longer and tougher than before.
This isn’t the end of Endrick’s story at Madrid—not by any stretch. But it is an early reminder of how brutal the top level can be. From Brazil’s next big thing to a sidelined talent fighting to be seen, his journey will now require patience, resilience, and mental strength.
For fans and the club, hopes remain high. But for now, the excitement surrounding Endrick’s arrival has been temporarily replaced by concern—and the hard reality that injuries wait for no one, no matter how bright their future.