Endrick, a 17-year-old striker for Palmeiras, captured the attention of the football world and major European clubs at the age of 15 with his incredible exploits in youth football.
The Brazilian's reputation grew further when it emerged Real Madrid and Chelsea were among a host of prominent clubs monitoring the Verdao star.
But it was Madrid who went and secured his signature in 2022 as the club paid the release clause of €60 million (£52m/$64m) with €35m due up front and a further €25m in add-ons.
Endrick is yet to move to the Spanish capital because of FIFA regulations that state he is unable to formally become a part of the Madrid squad until he turns 18 on July 21, 2024.
The Sporting News takes a look at whether the Brazilian wonderkid will be involved in Selecao's 2024 Copa America squad.
MORE: Brazil Copa America squad announced by Dorival Junior
Is Endrick in the Brazil Copa America squad?
Head coach Dorival Junior named his squad for the Copa America on Friday, May 10. He announced that Endrick will be included and is now set to make his international tournament debut at the age of 17.
Breaking into the Copa squad may be Endrick's biggest success to date as Brazil have plenty of talent in the forward department with current Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo leading the line.
But Endrick's performances after being called up to the squad for their March international friendlies against England and Spain, may have sealed the deal for him.
In a match against England, Brazil bucked their recent struggles against major European nations. Despite missing key players like Casemiro, Alisson, Gabriel and Marquinhos, Endrick came to the rescue from the bench.
He capitalised on a loose ball after Jordan Pickford made a good save from Vinicius to net the only goal of the game. Doing so saw him become the youngest-ever male goalscorer at Wembley.
Endrick then scored his first goal at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home of his future club, as Brazil played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain. He once again started from the bench but came on to make an instant impact.
The Selecao have long struggled to find a central striker capable of winning football matches, with the great Ronaldo not effectively replaced over the past two decades.
Despite various attempts to nail down the No.9 position, no player has managed to consistently make an impact at the highest level or secure a starting spot. This is where Endrick can make the position his own.
While currently untested at the highest level, Endrick could provide the attacking spark Brazil need, making him a crucial asset for the upcoming Copa America and beyond.
MORE: Brazil top goal scorers of all time
Brazil Copa America squad 2024
The below table has been updated with the names on the Brazil roster and caps are correct as at the time of the squad announcement.
| Position | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Bento | Athletico-PR | 24 | 2 |
| GK | Ederson | Manchester City (ENG) | 30 | 25 |
| GK | Alisson | Liverpool (ENG) | 31 | 63 |
| DEF | Danilo | Juventus (ITA) | 32 | 56 |
| DEF | Yan Couto | Girona (ESP) | 21 | 3 |
| DEF | Guilherme Arana | Atletico-MG | 27 | 6 |
| DEF | Wendell | Porto (POR) | 30 | 2 |
| DEF | Beraldo | PSG (FRA) | 20 | 2 |
| DEF | Eder Militao | Real Madrid (ESP) | 26 | 30 |
| DEF | Gabriel Magalhaes | Arsenal (ENG) | 26 | 6 |
| DEF | Marquinhos | PSG (FRA) | 29 | 84 |
| MID | Andreas Pereira | Fulham (ENG) | 28 | 3 |
| MID | Joao Gomes | Wolverhampton (ENG) | 23 | 2 |
| MID | Bruno Guimaraes | Newcastle (ENG) | 26 | 20 |
| MID | Douglas Luiz | Aston Villa (ENG) | 26 | 13 |
| MID | Lucas Paqueta | West Ham (ENG) | 26 | 44 |
| FOR | Endrick | Palmeiras | 17 | 4 |
| FOR | Evanilson | Porto (POR) | 24 | 0 |
| FOR | Rodrygo | Real Madrid (ESP) | 23 | 22 |
| FOR | Gabriel Martinelli | Arsenal (ENG) | 22 | 9 |
| FOR | Raphinha | Barcelona (ESP) | 27 | 22 |
| FOR | Savinho | Girona (ESP) | 20 | 1 |
| FOR | Vinicius Junior | Real Madrid (ESP) | 23 | 28 |