Endrick’s Emotional Reaction After Brazil’s 2026 World Cup Call-Up: ‘My First World Cup with the Greatest Team’
May 19, 2026 — Updated 8:30 AM UTC
Lyon forward Endrick, just 20 years old, has become the youngest Brazilian player in decades to earn a spot on the preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His emotional reaction—captured in a post shared by his club—underscores the magnitude of the moment for both the player and the Seleção.
“Merci mon Dieu, le Seigneur est merveilleux,” Endrick wrote in his post, translating to “Thank you, my God, the Lord is wonderful.” The message, shared publicly on social media, reflects the spiritual gratitude of a player who has already etched his name into Brazilian football history.
“Ma première Coupe du monde avec la plus grande sélection du monde.”
Why This Moment Matters for Brazil’s 2026 Campaign
Endrick’s inclusion is more than a personal milestone—it’s a tactical masterstroke for Brazil. The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding the tournament to 16 group-stage matches per team. With Brazil’s squad already stacked with talent—including Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo and Neymar—Endrick’s arrival adds a dynamic, young presence capable of stretching defenses and providing an extra dimension in attack.
For Lyon, the news arrives at a pivotal juncture. The French club has reportedly finalized discussions regarding Endrick’s future, with OL president Jean-Michel Aulas confirming earlier this month that the player’s transfer window is closing. While no official announcement has been made, sources close to the situation suggest a move to Real Madrid is imminent, pending Endrick’s World Cup commitments.
Endrick’s Path to the World Cup: A Timeline
- 2022: Endrick debuts for Lyon’s first team at 17, becoming the youngest player in Ligue 1 history to score a hat-trick.
- 2023: Makes his senior Brazil debut in a friendly against Colombia, scoring the winning goal.
- 2024: Named in Brazil’s CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Squad, though he did not compete due to injury.
- May 2026: Officially pre-selected for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, marking his first international tournament.
What’s Next for Endrick and Brazil?
Brazil’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup will be announced in November 2026, giving Endrick and his teammates nearly six months to prepare. The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026, with Brazil’s first match scheduled for June 15 against Canada at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (UTC-5).
For Endrick, the next challenge is balancing his club commitments with Brazil’s training cycles. If he joins Real Madrid this summer, he’ll need to adapt quickly to a new league and system—all while preparing for what could be his debut World Cup.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has worked with Endrick in both club and international settings, has praised the player’s professionalism and adaptability. In a recent interview, Endrick reflected on the opportunity to reunite with Ancelotti in the Seleção’s camp, calling it a “dream come true.”
Key Takeaways
- Endrick is the youngest Brazilian player in decades to earn a World Cup spot, at just 20 years old.
- His inclusion adds a dynamic attacking option for Brazil’s 2026 squad, which already features Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and Neymar.
- Lyon’s transfer window for Endrick is reportedly closing, with Real Madrid as the leading suitor.
- Brazil’s final squad will be named in November 2026, with the tournament kicking off in June 2026.
- Endrick’s spiritual reaction—“Thank you, my God”—highlights the emotional weight of this moment for him and Brazilian football.
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates on Endrick’s transfer status and Brazil’s World Cup preparations, follow these official sources:
