Brazilian wonderkid Endrick has been unveiled to fans at Real Madrid, just days after signing from Brazilian club, Palmeiras.
A reported 43,000 fans turned up to the Santiago Bernabeu to see the forward don the white of Madrid for the first time.
The 18-year-old thanked fans in fluent Spanish, being visibly moved to tears as he spoke of his pride joining the La Liga champions.
Endrick told fans it was a life-long dream to play for Madrid before leading the crowd in a chant of ‘Hala Madrid’ in unison.
‘This is crazy,’ he said. ‘I am so happy. Since I was a kid I have always been a Madrid fan and now I am going to play for Madrid.
A reported 43,000 fans turned up to see Endrick’s Real Madrid unveiling at Santiago Bernabeu
Endrick was visibly moved to tears during his Real Madrid unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu
Considered the most-promising talent in football, Endrick joins from Brazilian club Palmeiras
‘I am here, I am going to play, I am so happy, my family are as well. I don’t have words to describe what I am feeling.
‘I always wanted to be here. I wanted to play for Madrid. It was a dream. Today it is a reality.
‘I am grateful to everyone. Now we are going to sing a chant together, I am sure you will all sing with me: Three, two, one… ‘Hala Madrid.’
‘I won’t lie, I did not expect all this, so many people.’
It’s been a transfer saga almost two years in the making, after a Madrid agreed a deal with Palmeiras back in December 2022.
However, the forward could not formally join the club until he turned 18 on July 21, 2024, when he was able to sign his first senior professional contract.
He is estimated to have cost Madrid £29.5million (€35m), but this fee could rise to as much as £50.6m (€60m) according to bonuses and add-ons. Palmeiras have stated it’s ‘the biggest transfer in Brazilian football history’.
Endrick helped Palmeiras win the Brazilian championship on his debut season, in 2022
Endrick featured in Brazil’s disappointing Copa America campaign, starting just once
Los Blancos stole a march on rivals Barcelona, as well as other European giants including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, to secure Endrick’s signature.
At the unveiling, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez welcomed the teenager to the club, saying: ‘This moment was what you dreamed of as a child.
‘That conviction has led you to fulfil a lifetime dream. That dream you had when you were only nine years old with the Real Madrid Foundation.
‘Your play and goals already bring fans to their feet and Madrid are delighted to have you as part of the family.’
Endrick is considered one of the most-promising talents in world football, having made his first team debut for Palmeiras aged just 16 years, two months and 16 days in October 2022 – the youngest in the club’s history.
He went on to become the second-youngest goal scorer in Brazil’s Serie A history, helping Palmeiras win the league title in 2022.
Endrick made his Brazil national team debut in November 2023, in a World Cup qualifying defeat to Colombia.
Club president Florentino Perez (right) said he was proud to welcome Endrick to Real Madrid
Endrick has said playing for Real Madrid was a ‘life-long dream’ and he can’t wait to get started
He scored in Brazil’s 1-0 friendly win over England at Wembley on March 23 and again in a 3-3 draw with Spain on March 26, earning a call-up to their squad for the Copa America.
He made three substitute appearances, starting just once, in a disappointing tournament for the five-time World Cup winners.