Endrick (foto: Instagram)
Teenage star Endrick reveals harsh realities of elite football, from criticism and injuries to mental strain, admitting he hopes his future child avoids the sport entirely.
Endrick, still only 19, has delivered a surprisingly honest view of life at the top level, admitting football is far from the dream many imagine.
The Brazilian forward, contracted to :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} and recently loaned to :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}, scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 18 matches in France. Despite those numbers, his season has been demanding.
Under coach :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}, opportunities were limited, forcing the teenager to adapt quickly in a new country while fighting for a place ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Speaking to :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, Endrick explained how he learned to block out external pressure.
“I don’t care what other people say anymore. When you remove that from your life, things become easier. I focus on playing and helping my team. That’s what matters,” he said.
The young striker also addressed his past struggles with social media.
“At the beginning, I handled criticism badly. I checked everything after the matches. I wanted praise. That mindset hurt me. Now I stay calm, focus on recovery, and ignore the noise.”
His perspective has shifted even more as he prepares to become a father. Despite his rapid rise, Endrick does not want his child to follow the same path.
“Football is not a pleasant place. It’s a difficult environment. I hope my child becomes a doctor or a lawyer, something stable.”
The statement reflects his own experience. Breaking into Real Madrid at such a young age brought intense competition, limited minutes, and setbacks.
Injuries added another layer of difficulty.
“I had a complicated injury and lost time. You lose your place, your rhythm. I was scared. I cried a lot. You don’t know how your body will respond or what the future holds.”
Despite those fears, Endrick stayed focused.
“I knew I had to keep going. If it happened again, I would fight again. That’s the only way.”
His story shows a different side of elite football, one shaped by pressure, uncertainty, and constant scrutiny, even for one of Brazil’s brightest young talents.