Football loves a plot twist. Days after reports claimed Endrick wanted out of Real Madrid, the 20-year-old Brazilian came off the bench in Rome and headed in a priceless equaliser in a 4-3 Champions League win over Roma. It was his first goal of the season, and it left one burning question: is the January exit still on?
Mourinho Makes the Change
Real Madrid looked beaten at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma had come out firing after half-time, and two goals from Donyell Malen gave them a 3-1 lead.
In the 58th minute Mourinho made his move, taking off Vinícius Júnior and sending on Endrick. Vinícius had been handed a four-match domestic ban that same day.
Corner, Corner, Corner
Then Madrid’s set pieces took over. In the 83rd minute, Carlos Espí tucked in a close-range rebound after a corner.
Two minutes later, Arda Güler swung in another corner and Endrick powered a header into the net to make it 3-3 and silence the Olimpico.
In the 90th minute, Antonio Rüdiger finished from close range to complete the turnaround. All three goals came from corners, in a seven-minute spell.
A Statement From the Bench
For Endrick, it was a huge moment. He had played just four minutes all season, against Elche on September 15, after missing the opening four league games with an injury. Mourinho described the night as two matches in one: Roma were superior for a long stretch, then Real Madrid were unstoppable in the last 20 minutes.
The January Question
Here is the twist. Before kickoff, Mourinho told TNT Sports Brasil that any club hoping to sign Endrick on loan should forget it, adding that interested clubs would have to fight him. Cadena SER had reported on October 6 that Aston Villa led the race for a loan.
After the match, Endrick said he is very grateful to Mourinho, but that if he has to leave in January, he will leave. Goal also reports that club president Florentino Pérez and the board are opposed to a premature exit.
What Endrick Needs Now
His first spell at Madrid produced seven goals in 40 appearances before a loan to Lyon, where he scored eight goals and added eight assists in 21 games. Mourinho admitted he did not give Endrick a proper chance after his recovery. With Vinícius suspended for four league matches, the door could finally open.
Endrick’s Equaliser: Key Facts
- Match: Roma 3-4 Real Madrid, October 14, 2026
- Substitution: Endrick for Vinícius (58′)
- Goals: Espí (83′), Endrick (85′), Rüdiger (90′)
- Assists: Güler provided two
- Endrick’s minutes before this match: four
What Happens Next?
Real Madrid have six points from two Champions League games, and the next domestic test comes without Vinícius. For Endrick, the goal bought time, but it did not close the door on a January move.
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