Endrick breaks his silence: “I spoke with God” after the decision that eliminated Brazil

The image went viral. Endrick, kneeling on the grass of Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, his gaze lost and tears welling up. The Real Madrid striker had just missed the clearest chance of the match against Norway, a one-on-one that could have changed Brazil's fate in the 2026 World Cup. Days later, the 19-year-old broke his silence.

“I didn’t sleep that night. I stayed up talking to God, thanking him for the opportunity to be there, to wear this jersey, to play in a World Cup. I know many people expected something else from me, but this is football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn,” Endrick declared in an exclusive interview with Brazilian media.

Brazil's elimination in the round of 16 at the hands of Norway (2-1) marked the Seleção's worst campaign in 36 years. Not since Italy 1990, when they fell at the same stage to Argentina, had Brazil been eliminated so early from a World Cup. For a country that lives and breathes football, the blow was devastating.

The play that could have changed everything

It was the 78th minute. Brazil was losing 2-1 and desperately seeking an equalizer, relying more on heart than skill. Vinicius threaded a perfect pass between the Norwegian center-backs, leaving Endrick one-on-one with Orjan Nyland. The striker feinted, cut inside, and fired a shot across goal. The ball grazed the right post. In the stands, thousands of Brazilians gasped in disbelief.

“It was a matter of centimeters. If it had gone in, we'd be talking about something else entirely. But it didn't, and that's what matters. I'm not hiding. I take responsibility,” the striker acknowledged with a maturity that surprised everyone.

“I don’t want to be the only man”

One of the most resonant phrases from the interview was when Endrick spoke about the pressure of being Brazil's great hope. “I don't want to be 'the man' alone. This is football, this is a team. We need everyone to pull in the same direction. I can make mistakes, Vinicius can make mistakes, Rodrygo can make mistakes. But if we're together, we'll get back up together.”

The striker's words reflect a maturity rarely seen in a 19-year-old who already bears the responsibility of being Brazil's and Real Madrid's number nine. Endrick called for a collective effort for the future and made it clear that his commitment to the national team is absolute.

Ancelotti until 2030: stability for the project

Amid the storm, some news brought a glimmer of calm to Brazilian football. Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of the Seleção, confirmed that he will remain at the helm of the team until the 2030 World Cup. The Italian, who took over in 2024, wants to lead the team's renewal process and deliver the sixth star that has eluded them since 2002.

“Ancelotti trusts me. He told me this is just the beginning, that great players are forged in defeats. I believe him. We're going to work so that in 2030 the story will be different,” Endrick declared.

The support of an entire country

Despite the elimination, the Brazilian people rallied around Endrick. On social media, figures like Ronaldo Nazário, Kaká, and Neymar sent him messages of encouragement. “This is how legends are forged. It hurts, but it will make you stronger,” wrote Ronaldo on Instagram. The young striker responded with a simple “Thank you, idol,” which moved the fans.

Brazil is already looking ahead. With Ancelotti at the helm, a young and talented generation, and the lessons learned from this World Cup, the Seleção aims to be a major player again in 2030. Endrick, meanwhile, returns to Madrid focused on continuing his development.

Play responsibly. 18+ only. Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Know your limits.