Endrick enjoyed a memorable night under the bright lights as he was handed his first start of the season by Xabi Alonso, and the young Brazilian wasted no time in making his mark. The highly rated young forward was lively throughout until he was substituted as Real Madrid cruised past CF Tavera in the Copa del Rey, showcasing his raw talent and explosive qualities.
The decision to start Endrick raised a few eyebrows, but Alonso’s faith was clearly justified. The teenager brought energy, directness and intensity to Madrid’s attack, offering a different dynamic with his pace and willingness to run at defenders.

According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Alonso was full of praise after the game, Romano posted:
🤍🇧🇷 Xabi Alonso: “Endrick did very well, I want to congratulate him. Great change of pace, explosive, vertical”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 18, 2025
“He was very good”. pic.twitter.com/wDkplgQTbL
Despite the positive display, Endrick’s immediate future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. Softfootball earlier reported that French side Olympique Lyon are closing in on a loan deal for the Brazilian in January, as the club weighs up the best pathway for his development and regular game time.
While opportunities at Real Madrid may be limited in the short term, performances like this only strengthen Endrick’s case, whether it leads to more minutes under Alonso or a temporary move elsewhere to continue his rapid growth.
