Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterBrazil's latest World Cup campaign appeared destined to bring controversy.Neymar is back in Brazil's squad after a three-year absence, but while the world's most expensive player has yet to feature, another key omission is more pressing.Endrick was also enlisted into the Selecao's World Cup campaign following a productive half-season spell with Lyon after a slow start to life with Real Madrid.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kThe teenager's upturn in form flew in the face of a difficult six months at the Bernabeu during which new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faltered spectacularly.Endrick's first-team prospects for Los Blancos suffered heavily as the beleaguered World Cup winner restricted him to just four appearances in all competitions. You may like Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti reveals why Neymar might miss out on World Cup squad Carlo Ancelotti reveals Neymar fitness status as Brazil star misses World Cup opener Carlo Ancelotti makes worrying Brazil admission after nerves all over the place draw vs Morocco His temporary move to Ligue 1 proved a transformative one with eight goals and assists apiece in 21 outings for Lyon as they secured a Champions League return.That purple patch saw Endrick rewarded with a spot in the Brazil squad for the March international friendlies and instantly repaid Carlo Ancelotti's faith.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Within 14 minutes of coming on against Croatia, the 19-year-old had a hand in two of goals; winning a penalty for Igor Thiago and teeing up Gabriel Martinelli.But Endrick's Selecao prospects remain mired in increasing confusion under the man who presided over his daunting debut season in the Spanish capital.He was overlooked for the pre-World Cup friendlies against Panama and Egypt before also missing out on his country's tournament opener with Morocco. What to read next Brazil squad World Cup 2026: Carlo Ancelotti's 26 players as five-time winners prepare for the round of 32 Endrick opens up on tough Real Madrid start and the huge happiness Lyon loan has brought Real Madrid youngster Endrick explains his fascination with Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton On each occasion, fans chanted for Endrick's introduction and were vindicated as his second-half cameo produced another goal to tip the balance gainst the Pharaohs.A second substitute appearance in the 3-0 win over Haiti did little to sate Brazilians' appetite to see their latest rising star with Ancelotti firmly under the microscope.The Italian has damned Endrick with faint praise by descripting him as 'an extraordinary talent' while also shutting down the debate over a starring role.His reluctance to utilise his former Madrid player has become meme material on Brazilian social media with the pair cast as polar opposites in comical scenarios.Ancelotti is notorious for attempting to harness his tactical system to players' strengths and clearly feels Endrick is most impactful from the substitutes' bench.It's a credible theory but until the teen sensation is able to prove him wrong from a starting berth, the debate - and the memes - will continue to rumble on.TOPICSEndrickCarlo AncelottiBrazilReal MadridWorld CupRichard Buxton
