By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Teen sensation Endrick has described his first FIFA World Cup call-up with Brazil national football team as a dream come true after coach Carlo Ancelotti unveiled Brazil’s final squad for the tournament.
The highly rated forward, who has been tipped as one of Brazil’s future superstars, was among the standout names selected alongside returning icon Neymar as the five-time world champions prepare for another shot at global glory.
Reacting emotionally to the announcement, Endrick thanked God for achieving one of the biggest milestones of his young career.
“Thank you God, the Lord is wonderful. First World Cup with the greatest team in the world, I just have to thank God for this moment,” Endrick said.
“Now it’s time to represent our nation. Let’s go all out together always.”
The teenager’s inclusion underlines the faith Ancelotti has placed in Brazil’s new generation, with Endrick expected to provide energy and attacking depth alongside stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and Gabriel Martinelli.
Neymar’s return to the squad, however, remains the headline story after concerns over fitness and injuries threatened to keep the veteran attacker out of another World Cup.
Ancelotti defended the decision to recall the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. forward, insisting Brazil thoroughly monitored his progress throughout the year.
“We spent the entire year analyzing Neymar,” Ancelotti said.
“We realized that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition.”
The Italian manager also sent a strong warning to Brazil’s rivals by openly backing his team’s chances of lifting the trophy.
“I’m not afraid to say that we can win the World Cup. I’m not afraid,” he declared.
Despite the excitement surrounding the squad announcement, several notable players missed out, including João Pedro and Andrey Santos.
Ancelotti admitted those omissions were among the hardest decisions he had to make.
“Believe me, I am sad for João Pedro. With the season he is having, he probably deserved to go to the World Cup,” the Brazil coach said.
“However, with all possible respect and with so much competition, we chose other players ahead of him.”
Brazil now head into the tournament carrying massive expectations once again, with the combination of Neymar’s experience and Endrick’s youthful promise giving supporters renewed belief in a sixth world title.
Brazil World Cup Squad List
Goalkeepers:
Alisson
Ederson
Weverton
Defenders:
Alex Sandro
Bremer
Danilo
Douglas Santos
Gabriel Magalhães
Ibáñez
Léo Pereira
Marquinhos
Wesley
Midfielders:
Bruno Guimarães
Casemiro
Danilo Santos
Fabinho
Lucas Paquetá
Forwards:
Endrick
Gabriel Martinelli
Igor Thiago
Luiz Henrique
Matheus Cunha
Neymar
Raphinha
Rayan
Vini Jr.
Leave feedback about this