Ronaldo backs Endrick to seize World Cup chance

Ronaldo urged supporters to remain patient with teenager Endrick after Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco in their 2026 World Cup opener, saying the 19-year-old is ready but must wait behind in-form attacking options. Carlo Ancelotti left the Real Madrid forward on the bench, prompting criticism from fans who felt Endrick could have broken down the Moroccan defence.

Endrick had recently scored a winner against Egypt in a warm-up friendly, but Ronaldo defended the manager's hierarchy and noted an unexpected injury to Bruno Guimaraes disrupted planned attacking substitutions late on. Speaking on Resenha da Copa, Ronaldo said: "I am sure he will get his opportunity.

He will come on at some point, but right now he is the third option in attack. There is Igor Thiago, there is Matheus Cunha, and then it's him. I think he would have come on in the game [against Morocco] if it weren't for the substitution where I think Bruno Guimaraes asked to come off...

Brazil

ronaldo, endrick, brazil, morocco, world cup, 2026, carlo ancelotti, real madrid, bruno guimaraes, matheus cunha