Brazil boss Dorival Jr responds when asked about comparisons between Pele and Real Madrid sensation Endrick
In a press conference after Brazil's 3-2 pre-Copa America friendly win over Mexico on Saturday (June 8), manager Dorival Jr was asked about the comparisons being drawn between wonderkid Endrick and national legend Pele. He said the media and the public should be "very careful" with the youngster and give him time to hone his craft without putting any undue pressure on him.
Brazil were leading 2-1 going into added time, but substitute Memo Martinez brought Mexico back (90+3') to level terms. However, Endrick, who came off the bench in the 61st minute for Porto forward Evanilson, would go on to have the last laugh.
He headed home from a Vinicius Jr. cross (90+6') to win the game for his side. After the full-time whistle, fans, teammates, and media alike were full of praise for the 17-year-old, with comparisons to Pele resurfacing in the press conference.
However, Dorival said (via Madrid Zone's X handle):
"Endrick and Pele? Let's be very careful with this boy. A lot is happening in his life in such a short time. He keeps working hard. I saw his beginning in Palmeiras, he’s important, there’s lot of attention on him. Look what he has done in such a short time."
The Palmeiras forward is no stranger to clutch goals for the Selecao. In March 2024, he once again came off the bench and scored the only goal of the game in the 80th minute against England at the famous Wembley Stadium. He followed it up with a 50th-minute equalizer in a thriller against Spain, which ended up in a 3-3 scoreline.
Dorival will certainly be relying on him to be a sparkplug off the bench as Brazil look to right the wrongs of 2021 and lift the 2024 Copa America title.
"All thanks to my teammates" - Brazil wonderkid Endrick on his goalscoring form
After his last-gasp winner against Mexico in a pre-Copa America friendly on Saturday, Endrick was asked about his impressive goalscoring form.
The 17-year-old credited his teammates for elevating his game and helping him score. He said (via @theMadridZone on X):
"Scoring goals is something that I really enjoy but it’s all thanks to my teammates."
He was also asked about his side's ambitions at the upcoming tournament, given that they are one of the pre-tournament favorites. To this, he replied (via @theMadridZone on X):
"The goal is to win the Copa America with the support of all Brazilians."