Carlo Ancelotti Actually Doesn't Want Endrick To Leave Real Madrid

Endrick was dropped from Brazil's squad in four consecutive international breaks (Instagram/@endrick).

JAKARTA - Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied asking Endrick to leave Real Madrid in the next transfer market if he wants to play in the 2026 World Cup.

According to Brazil's ESPN, the attacker will join Lyon(Olympique Lyonnais) on loan in January 2026 and he has spoken with the manager of Ligue 1 club Paulo Fonseca.

The two clubs and the player have reached an oral agreement over the past two weeks, with Lyon bearing half of his salary.

The 19-year-old is looking for a place to play in the first team and has only played 11 minutes this season for Real Madrid.

"He's a very important player because he's one of the talented talents from Brazilian football."

"We're evaluating it. However, it's not true I said Endrick had to leave Real Madrid to go to the World Cup (2026)."

"That's Real Madrid and the player's business. He needs to talk to the club and make the best decisions for himself and for Real Madrid," Ancelotti told US Diario.

Endrick, who joined Real Madrid shortly after his 18th birthday in July 2024, enjoyed a promising first season with Los Blancos under Ancelotti, scoring seven goals in 37 appearances.

He has struggled to find a place in the first team since Xabi Alonso took over Real Madrid after Ancelotti's departure in May 2025. His chances of playing in the 2026 World Cup are running low.

Endrick, who made his debut for Brazil in November 2023, has been dropped from Team Samba's squad in the fourth consecutive international break.

Ancelotti said earlier this week that it was important for Endrick to return to play and show his quality.

"Yes, I spoke to him (Endrick) earlier this season. He was injured, but now he's fine, is back."

"He has to think with his side about what is best. Talk to the club, to see what's best for him."

"Endrick is still very young, it's not his last World Cup. He can play in the 2026 World Cup because he has quality for it, but he can also play in the 2030 World Cup, or the 2034 World Cup, and maybe even the 2038 World Cup."

"I believe it is important for him to return to play and show his quality," Ancelotti told Placar.

Meanwhile, apart from Lyon, Endrick also attracted interest from Manchester United and Aston Villa who wanted to borrow it on the winter exchange.