ORLANDO, Fla. – As the Brazilian national team prepares for a friendly against Croatia, manager Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed questions surrounding Neymar while emphatically highlighting the potential of young forward Endrick. The Italian coach praised Endrick’s adaptability and affirmed his belief that the 17-year-old is a key component of Brazil’s future success, even as the player currently finds himself on the bench.
Ancelotti addressed the media Monday, noting a tactical shift in Endrick’s role since joining Lyon on loan from Real Madrid. “He’s doing well, playing wide now, which is different from how he played at Real Madrid,” Ancelotti said. “I’m happy to have a player who can play in different positions.” This versatility, according to Ancelotti, is a significant asset for the national team.
The coach’s comments come as Endrick continues to develop in France, seeking consistent playing time to bolster his case for a prominent role in the 2026 World Cup, and beyond. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of Endrick’s continued growth, stating, “We are observing Endrick’s evolution. He is the future of the Brazilian national team.”
Beyond Endrick, Ancelotti also spotlighted other emerging Brazilian talents. He specifically mentioned Rayan, who could make his debut against Croatia on Tuesday, and right-back Wesley, praising his performance against France despite the 2-1 defeat last Thursday. “We have particularly interesting young players for the future, like Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago, Wesley, who had a very good game against France,” Ancelotti stated. “The future of the Seleção is well covered.”
Endrick’s Role and Potential Starting XI
While Ancelotti clearly values Endrick’s potential, the youngster didn’t feature in the starting lineup during Sunday’s training session in Orlando, according to reports. This suggests he will likely begin Tuesday’s match against Croatia on the bench. The coach appears to be leaning towards a more experienced lineup for the friendly, with Marquinhos potentially returning to the starting eleven in place of Bremer.
The projected starting XI, as reported by ESPN, is: Bento; Danilo (or Ibañez), Bremer (or Marquinhos), Léo Pereira, and Douglas Santos; Casemiro and Andrey Santos (or Danilo); Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha, João Pedro, and Gabriel Martinelli. This lineup reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, with Ancelotti seemingly prioritizing a settled side for the upcoming match.
The match against Croatia, scheduled for 9:00 PM Brasília time (21:00 UTC), serves as a crucial preparation opportunity ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The game will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, marking one of the first international fixtures held in the United States in preparation for co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
Ancelotti’s Contract and Long-Term Vision
Ancelotti’s commitment to the Brazilian national team appears secure, with reports indicating he is nearing a contract extension through the 2030 World Cup. This long-term vision allows him to build a team around emerging talents like Endrick, fostering a cohesive unit capable of competing on the world stage for years to come. His focus on youth development signals a strategic shift for the Seleção, prioritizing the cultivation of future stars alongside established players.
The coach’s ability to identify and nurture young talent will be critical as Brazil aims to reclaim its position as a dominant force in international football. Endrick, with his versatility and potential, represents a cornerstone of that vision. Ancelotti’s belief in the player’s future is evident, and his continued development will be closely monitored as Brazil prepares for the challenges ahead.
Ancelotti also addressed the topic of Endrick’s development path, emphasizing the importance of the player making the right decisions in consultation with Real Madrid. He clarified that he did not advise Endrick to leave the Spanish club to secure a spot in the World Cup squad. “It’s not true that I said Endrick should leave Real Madrid to go to the World Cup. That’s a matter for Real Madrid and the player,” he stated. “I would never advise Madrid on what to do with a player. The club knows very well what it has to do.”
This stance underscores Ancelotti’s respect for club dynamics and his focus on allowing players to develop in environments where they can thrive. He believes that Endrick’s continued progress, regardless of where he plays, is paramount to his future success with the national team.
Brazil’s next confirmed fixture following the Croatia friendly is a match against Panama on May 31st, with further friendlies scheduled against Egypt on June 6th. These matches will provide further opportunities for Ancelotti to assess his squad and refine his tactics as he builds towards the 2026 World Cup.
The Brazilian national team’s journey towards the 2026 World Cup is underway, and with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the future appears bright, particularly with the emergence of promising talents like Endrick. Fans can follow updates on the team’s progress through official CBF channels and major sports news outlets.
