Endrick breaks new record of Real Madrid Idol

At just 18, Endrick surpasses a long-standing record, leaving his mark on Real Madrid’s history and Europe’s biggest stage
FBL-ESP-LIGA-REAL MADRID-ALAVES
FBL-ESP-LIGA-REAL MADRID-ALAVES / JAVIER SORIANO/GettyImages
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And even though the talented foward isn't even 19, his name is already etched in Real Madrid's history books. Still only 18 years and 73 days, the young Brazilian became the club's youngest starter ever in a Champions League match, taking the record of none other than Raúl.

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Raúl had set that record back in 1995 with 18 years and 78 days in a match against Ajax, but against Lille, the starting Endrick had managed to eclipse that mark to show that Real Madrid remains committed to boldly investing in young talent, particularly from South America.

Young, but experienced

Despite his age, Endrick has already proved himself. The then Champs League group stage debutante found the back of the net with the third goal in a 3-1 win over Stuttgart. The feat cemented him in the tournament's record books as the youngest South American player to have scored in the competition.

These feats show that Endrick isn't just some "promising kid"-he's already delivering on results and defying expectations. Not the youngest non-European scorer in Champions League history but a close second to Ghana's Peter Ofori-Quaye, who made history as far back as 1997, he cements his position as an international prospect.

Endrick
LOSC Lille v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 / Aurelien Meunier/GettyImages

Immediate impact in LaLiga

Even before the Champions League exploits, Endrick had shown just what he was capable of with a goal on his official LaLiga debut against Valladolid. He needed just 10 minutes on the pitch to score his maiden goal in the Spanish league. It made him the youngest foreign player to have scored a La Liga goal for Real Madrid and the third-youngest South American player.

The impact of Endrick is undeniable: he doesn't waste much time. This explosive debut shows that Real Madrid has an ace up their sleeve, one already prepared to take responsibility and shine on soccer's biggest stages.

Real Madrid and its new era of talent

What we are seeing with Endrick sees the continuation of a strategy that Real Madrid have come to rely on more and more: buying young talent, predominantly from South America. Certainly, this Spanish club has long set base camp in this region, but recent success with players such as Vinícius Junior, Valverde, and Rodrygo only strengthens their confidence in this approach.

But what really makes the case of Endrick more incredible is how smoothly he took up European soccer, as few young players immediately adapt to the pitch, and already Endrick performs very well.

That is exactly the kind of player Real Madrid is looking for, not just a great potential one, but one who can do something on the pitch. Judging by everything, it would seem that Endrick is more than ready for all the hype accompanying his transfer to Real Madrid.

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