Endrick and his return to Real Madrid have given José Mourinho another attacking option capable of changing matches. After struggling to secure consistent minutes during his first spell at the club, the 20-year-old Brazilian forward is beginning to demonstrate why Real Madrid invested in his potential. His performance against Roma in the Champions League offered an encouraging reminder of what he can bring to the team. Endrick was named MVP in that game with only 31 minutes played. The 20-year-old Brazilian can cause a dilemma for the Portuguese manager when picking his starters going forward.
Real Madrid appeared destined for defeat against Roma on October 14th, trailing 3-1 in the 83rd minute. Mourinho's side needed an extraordinary response, and the young Brazilian forward helped provide one, coming off the bench for 26-year-old Vinicius Júnior in the 59th minute, whose poor form was continuing in this game. Júnior’s poor performance makes his young compatriot another threat to his starting spot, leaving him to be benched going forward in favor of the 20-year-old striker. Yan Diomandé had already benched the 26-year-old winger during the previous La Liga match against Villarreal; both the 20-year-old Brazilian’s performance and Diomandé's performance further bring into question Real Madrid’s star winger’s starting spot. Introduced in the second half, Endrick used his movement and aerial ability to create problems for Roma's defense, contributing to Carlos Espí's goal before scoring the equalizer himself. The 20-year-old’s ability to challenge defenders with his speed and dribbling on the wings produced a lot of dangerous opportunities that could have added to an even larger scoreline in favor of the Madrid club. Endrick’s header brought Real Madrid level at 3-3, completing a remarkable turnaround in just a few minutes. Antonio Rüdiger scored the winner in the 89th minute, sealing a 4-3 victory after Madrid had looked out of the contest.
The performance was significant because it highlighted qualities Real Madrid have not always been able to use consistently. Real Madrid’s developing star brings directness, physicality and a willingness to attack the penalty area. While other forwards prefer receiving the ball in wider positions or dropping deeper to create opportunities, Endrick can provide a more traditional goal threat through his runs and ability to finish chances. His development also benefited from a six-month loan at Olympique Lyonnais during the second half of the 2025-26 season. The move followed a difficult period in Madrid, where competition for attacking positions and limited playing time made it difficult for him to establish himself. In France, the 20-year-old forward received more regular opportunities and finished his Lyon spell with eight goals and seven assists in 21 appearances across competitions.
Those numbers suggested that his potential could translate into consistent production when given the right environment. The experience also gave him an opportunity to develop his confidence and decision-making against different defensive systems. Returning to Madrid, however, presents a different challenge. The 20-year-old must compete with Kylian Mbappé and other attacking options for minutes. The accomplished Mourinho also needs to determine how best to incorporate Endrick without disrupting the team's balance. His performance against Roma makes a strong case for more opportunities, but one impressive European night cannot guarantee a regular starting position.
Real Madrid's recent comeback also demonstrated the value of trusting younger players. The two young substitute attackers, including Endrick, helped transform a match that appeared lost, showing that the club's depth can provide solutions when established starters struggle. At 20, Endrick is a star in the making and still has room to develop. If Mourinho gives him consistent minutes and a clearly defined role that truly uses his strengths, the 20-year-old Brazilian could become a more dependable contributor rather than simply an option from the bench. His display against Roma was an important step, and the challenge now is to turn that breakthrough into sustained performances throughout the season.
