Endrick, a 17-year-old phenom headed to Real Madrid, has won a historic call-up to the senior Brazil men’s national team.

The uncapped Endrick will play for the first time for Brazil in their 2026 World Cup qualifier, as confirmed by interim Canarinha head coach Fernando Diniz’s roster named on Monday.

By achieving this, the breakthrough star of Palmeiras became the youngest player since legendary striker Ronaldo Nazario in 1994 to be called up to the senior Seleção. Ronaldo, often known by his nickname O Fenômeno, is regarded as one of the all-time great soccer players and led Brazil to two World Cup victories.

“He’s a player with the makings of one of those exceptional players. At the unveiling news conference, Diniz stated, “We don’t know if it will be confirmed.” The summons is not a coercion. It’s both a reward and an idea of what this child can become in the future.

“I find it interesting when a boy born in 2006 produces the things he does. And he is currently having the time of his life, competing against elite teams in Brazil and making an impression.

Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid revealed in December of last year that it has negotiated a deal worth €70 million ($74.77 million) with Endrick to join the team in July 2024, when he turns 18.

Before joining Real Madrid, the prodigy made his debut at Brazilian team Palmeiras, where he played just 307 senior minutes. He is still playing for the São Paulo-based team while he prepares to relocate to Spain.

Ronaldo gave him high marks during the World Cup in Qatar the previous year; in fact, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner hinted that Endrick might have been brought in for experience.

The former Real Madrid player stated before the World Cup that he thought taking a young player like Endrick would be similar to taking me [in 1994] and would have a significant impact on his life.

In addition to becoming the only player in club history to have won trophies at every age group, Endrick made history as the youngest player to debut and score for Palmeiras.

After netting three goals in his last two games, his excellent play has earned him his first call-up. Currently, he has 54 appearances for the Verdão and 14 goals.

Along with João Pedro of Brighton & Hove Albion, Paulinho of Atlético Mineiro, and Pepê, a forward from Porto, Endrick is one of four players selected for the first time in the Brazil men’s team.

On Thursday, November 16, Brazil will travel to Baranquilla to play Colombia. Five days later, on November 17, Brazil will welcome world champion Argentina at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã Stadium.

After four games and seven points, the Seleção is in third place in the South American qualifying standings. The top six teams advance automatically to the US, Canada, and Mexico-hosted 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-place team must advance through a play-off to the main event in international soccer.

Due to an ACL tear in October, captain and all-time leading goal scorer Neymar is not available for Brazil. Éder Militão and Casemiro, who are injured, are also not on the team.