Real Madrid striker Endrick has revealed that he wants to face and defeat Cristiano Ronaldo in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. The teenage star is hopeful of making the Brazil national team squad that will aim to win the Mundial for the first time since 2022.
Endrick's World Cup dream
As of now playing for Olympique Lyon on loan, Endrick spoke with L'Equipe regarding his World Cup dreams, disclosing that he has one specific target in mind. He was questioned about his thoughts on facing Ronaldo, and he revealed that it would be great for him to do so and win against Portugal.
“Playing against Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup? Ah, that would be wonderful. I hope it happens and that we win it (smiles)", he said (via @MadridXtra on X).
The 19-year-old is waiting for his first national team call-up since Carlo Ancelotti took over the duties of Brazil. A combination of injuries and a lack of playing time at club level cost him his regular spot on the national team squad.
Endrick's wonderful loan spell at Lyon
After receiving advice from Ancelotti, Endrick sought a loan move away from Real Madrid, and has performed great since. The young forward has scored four goals and provided an assist in his first three matches for Lyon, including a hat-trick in their win against Metz last weekend.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe beats Cristiano Ronaldo's UCL record
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has beaten the UEFA Champions League record of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo after his team's 4-2 defeat at Benfica. The French player was at the double for Real Madrid as they faced a surprise defeat to miss out on automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
Mbappe's two goals was not good enough to save his team from defeat, but it made him the first player ever to score 12 plus goals before the knockout stages of the Champions League. His tally of 13 goals in the league stages this season bettered Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 11 goals in a single group stage.
Kylian Mbappe's goal stands at 13, only four shy of Ronaldo's all-time tournament record of 17 in the 2013-14 season. The French forward will have his eyes set on breaking that record as the knockout rounds commence next month.