In October 2022, Endrick was the hottest commodity in Brazilian football. The forward, then 16, made his top-flight debut for league winners Palmeiras after years of impressing for the club's youth sides. Later that month, he bagged a brace against Athletico Paranaense to become the youngest goalscorer in Brazilian Serie A history.
He wasn't exactly unknown - Real Madrid had been pursuing Endrick for nearly a year - but Endrick seemed to be on the verge of superstardom. Los Blancos, accordingly, pounced as soon as Palmeiras were willing to negotiate, paying the Brazilian club €60 million (£52m/$64m) to secure his services starting in summer 2024 - a record fee for a Serie A side.
But it hasn't all gone smoothly for the teenager. Endrick, in fact, has looked rather like a young player still growing into the game.
Since he sealed the move to Madrid, Endrick has endured a tricky nine months, experiencing long spells without scoring, clashing with his club, and going viral for the wrong reasons. But there have also been highs: impressive goals, highlight-reel dribbles, and plenty of reasons for excitement.
GOAL takes a look inside Endrick's tumultuous 2023...
.jpg)
.jpg)