Endrick makes Real Madrid club record as he starts for Los Blancos in UCL clash against Lille
Endrick broke a new Real Madrid record by starting in their UEFA Champions League match against Lille Olympique Sporting Club on Wednesday, October 2. Los Blancos are in Hauts-de-France, where they are facing Lille at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with the young Brazilian named in the lineup.
He started this game at the age of 18 years, two months, and 12 days. This makes him the youngest player in Madrid's history to start a Champions League match. Raul held the record since September 1995, when he started their match against Ajax at the age of 18 years, two months, and 17 days.
It also has to be mentioned that Jose Rodriguez played for Los Blancos in the Champions League at the age of 17 years, 11 months, and 18 days. However, he did not start that match against Ajax in December 2012, coming off the bench instead.
Endrick notably became the youngest goalscorer in the Champions League for Real Madrid when he helped them beat VfB Stuttgart 3-1 on September 17. He came off the bench to score their third goal, beating Raul's record, also from 1995.
When Endrick spoke about his move to Real Madrid
Earlier this year in June, Endrick spoke about his impending move to Real Madrid. The teenage prodigy might have only joined Los Blancos in the summer, but he had long been signed by them.
Back in December 2022, the Spanish giants made the decision to sign him from Palmeiras for €40 million. However, because Endrick was still 16 at the time, it took another two years for him to make the switch to Europe - with the rules requiring him to be 18.
He spoke about what he would need to do at the club, telling The Associated Press on a phone interview (via Sportstar):
“No one is supposed to know me well. I am the one who is arriving, I have to introduce myself. The more you win at Madrid, the more you have to win. There’s no rest.
“The biggest difference between South America and Europe is the intensity of the game, but Palmeiras is the most European of Brazilian teams, and that will help in my adaptation."
Endrick has already won the hearts of fans despite often starting games from off the bench. He has two goals and an assist in eight games in all competitions this season.