Brazil's Endrick says he thanked God after leaving Real Madrid

Brazilian forward Endrick said he thanked God for leaving Real Madrid, attributing his move to French club Lyon as the reason he returned to the national team at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to Spain's Mundo Deportivo after Brazil's 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32, the 19-year-old said he did not get enough playing time in Madrid and described the transfer to Lyon as a new beginning. Endrick said the French club gave him the chance to play regularly, which allowed him to feature at the World Cup. The young striker said the past six months had changed his life, adding that his development at Lyon helped him reclaim a place in Brazil's squad. He praised head coach Carlo Ancelotti for bringing him on in the second half, saying the veteran coach made the right calls to turn the match in Brazil's favor. Brazil's winning goal against Japan came in the final seconds of the match. Brazil will face the winner of the Norway–Ivory Coast tie in the round of 16.