Real Madrid may be flying high under Xabi Alonso, winning games and sitting comfortably at the top of La Liga, but beneath the surface, a quiet storm is brewing inside the Santiago Bernabéu. The tension revolves around one of the club’s most talked-about young players — Endrick Felipe. The Brazilian wonderkid, who arrived amid huge expectations, now finds himself fighting for relevance in a squad full of superstars.
Endrick’s arrival this past summer was met with massive excitement. Signed for an astonishing €72 million from Palmeiras, the 18-year-old was hailed as the next great Brazilian talent — a player capable of following in the footsteps of legends like Ronaldo Nazário and Vinícius Júnior. Fans and pundits alike believed Xabi Alonso would shape him into Real Madrid’s next attacking gem. But instead, the teenager’s dream debut season has turned into a nightmare.
Since joining the club, Endrick has yet to play a single minute of competitive football under Alonso. Match after match, he watches from the bench — or worse, from the stands — while other young players are given the chance to shine. For a player who arrived as one of the most expensive teenagers in world football, this situation has raised eyebrows across Spain and Brazil alike.
Reports from inside the club suggest that Xabi Alonso believes Endrick still lacks the tactical maturity and emotional control needed to play for Real Madrid’s first team. The coach, known for his disciplined style, reportedly thinks the Brazilian needs time to adapt to European football and the pressure that comes with wearing the famous white shirt. Instead, Alonso has shown more trust in academy product Gonzalo García, who has recently been used as a potential backup to Kylian Mbappé.
This decision has not sat well with Endrick. The young striker is said to be frustrated and confused about his situation, especially after seeing his close friend Vinícius flourish at the same age. His frustration boiled over during Real Madrid’s recent match against Getafe. After being told he would not feature, Endrick reacted angrily, kicking a water bottle near the bench — a move that caught the attention of cameras and, more importantly, of Xabi Alonso himself.
The incident did not go unnoticed. Alonso, who demands total professionalism and humility from his players, reportedly viewed Endrick’s outburst as a sign of immaturity. Sources close to the team say the coach was deeply disappointed and has since been even more hesitant to include the teenager in his plans. That single moment of frustration might have worsened Endrick’s already fragile situation at the club.
Behind closed doors, discussions have already begun about the player’s future. According to multiple reports, Real Madrid’s board — led by Florentino Pérez — is considering sending Endrick out on loan during the January transfer window. The goal would be to give him consistent playing time elsewhere, perhaps in La Liga or even the Premier League, where several clubs have reportedly expressed interest in the young forward.
For Endrick, a loan move could be the lifeline he needs. Those close to him say he remains determined to succeed in Europe, but understands that regular minutes are essential for his growth — especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. He dreams of representing Brazil on the world stage, and staying on the bench at Madrid could harm those chances.
Still, many fans and pundits are questioning Xabi Alonso’s decision to ignore such a promising talent. Some believe the coach is being overly cautious, while others see it as a power statement — a message that no player, no matter how expensive or hyped, is guaranteed a spot. Whatever the reason, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the relationship between Alonso and Endrick is strained.
Florentino Pérez, known for his strong influence in footballing matters, is reportedly monitoring the situation closely. The Real Madrid president had personally pushed for Endrick’s signing, seeing him as the long-term face of the club’s attack. If the current tension continues, Pérez may step in to ensure his investment doesn’t go to waste — or even reconsider the coaching approach being taken with young stars.
For now, Endrick remains committed to fighting for his place, training hard and staying patient — at least publicly. Privately, however, those close to him admit he feels disappointed and isolated. He came to Madrid with dreams of scoring goals at the Bernabéu, of playing alongside Mbappé and Vinícius, of becoming the new symbol of Brazilian brilliance in Europe. Instead, he’s facing the harsh reality of waiting for his chance in one of the most competitive squads in the world.
As things stand, the situation has created a genuine crisis behind the scenes at Real Madrid. The fans adore Endrick and want to see him play, but Alonso is firm in his belief that development cannot be rushed. The next few weeks could be decisive. If Endrick continues to be sidelined, the January window might mark the beginning of a new chapter — either through a loan or, in a shocking twist, a permanent departure.
For Real Madrid, the dilemma is clear: how do you balance patience with potential? For Endrick, it’s a test of resilience — one that will define whether he becomes a future legend or just another forgotten name in the club’s long list of talented prospects.
The Santiago Bernabéu is a stage built for stars, but only those who survive the pressure get to shine. Endrick’s story is still being written — and right now, it’s a tale filled with frustration, uncertainty, and hope that the brightest young Brazilian in football will finally get his moment under the Madrid lights.
