Endrick embraces Brazil supporting role

Brazil forward Endrick said Thursday he is content with a supporting role as the Selecao prepares to face Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

The 19-year-old has been limited to substitute appearances so far at this tournament, but said he was prepared to wait for manager Carlo Ancelotti to give him an opportunity.

Lucas Paqueta (R) and Endrick react after a friendly football match between Brazil and Panama at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 31, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

"He isn't going to do what's best for me, he's going to do what's best for the team," the Real Madrid forward told a news conference ahead of Sunday's match at New York New Jersey Stadium.

"He's fearless, he does what he believes is right, and things work out. Everything Carlo does seems to work out. Whenever the manager tells me to do something, I won't look back. I'll simply do whatever he asks of me."

Endrick was an unused substitute in Brazil's opening draw against Morocco but has made substitute appearances in every match since.

The former Palmeiras attacker is yet to score at the tournament but drew praise for his second-half display against Japan in the round of 32, when he created space for teammates from a central role.

"I'm very grateful to be here. For me, just being part of this group and playing at a World Cup is already a victory," he said. "I think all 26 players are eager to play and everyone is fully prepared. If any of the 26 weren't ready, they wouldn't be here."

He described the chance to reunite with Ancelotti in the national team as "wonderful" after spending his first season at Real Madrid under the Italian.

"He was my first manager when I arrived in Europe," Endrick said. "For me, having him as my first coach was one of the best experiences I could have had. It was incredible because I learned so much from him. It's been no different with the national team. I don't think Brazil could have a better fit than Ancelotti as head coach. We hope to keep improving, because that's what's most important for us during this cycle."

He added: "In my first season with the coach at Real Madrid, I played a lot. It wasn't many minutes, but I was coming on in almost every game. He always told me to stay calm because my moment would come.

"In the Copa del Rey, he gave me more opportunities and started me in almost every match. I managed to score in almost all of those games and I always stayed calm. The coach is one of the best managers in the world."