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Real Madrid-Bound Endrick Chooses: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Ronaldo Nazario, Erling Haaland vs Kylian Mbappe – Who’s His Pick?

Published 03/28/2024, 4:13 AM EDT

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If you’re good enough you’re old enough,” this seems to be the motto of Brazilian sensation and Real Madrid’s upcoming star Endrick. At the age of 17, the youngster has already proven to be a difference maker as his goal helped Brazil beat England at Wembley. The performance helped to add to his already significant number of admirers. But who does the 17-year-old admire?

In a recent segment with ESPN FC, Endrick was asked to give his pick among two choices. For soccer fans, the interesting question came when the attacker was asked to choose between Erling Haaland & Kylian Mbappe. Evident on his face, it was not an easy question for the left-footed star. However, in the end, he said, “I think… I prefer Mbappe.” The reward for this answer was an even more difficult question!

Next up for Endrick was a choice between his ‘idol’ Cristiano Ronaldo and an idol for countless Brazilians, Ronaldo Nazario. At first, the 17-year-old adopted a diplomatic stance and said, “Both.” A moment later, Endrick said, “But Cristiano.” Strikingly, both Kylian Mbappe and CR7 were chosen by the Brazilian sensation while building his ultimate soccer player.

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Endrick is currently plying his trade with Brazilian club Palmeiras. He will join Real Madrid in July 2024 and Madridistas are eagerly waiting to see their $64 million signing in action. Likewise, the feeling is mutual with the young star who is about to realize one of his childhood dreams.

Endrick beaming with ‘pride’ to follow in the footsteps of his biggest idol

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Endrick is a huge CR7 admirer and is more than delighted to play at the Bernabeu, where CR7 dazzled for 9 years straight. The youngster said, “My dream since I was little, has always been to play for Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of my biggest idols. So it is a great pride to know that I will wear the same shirt he wore.” Also, playing at Real Madrid is not the only dream of the Brazilian. In fact, Endrick wants to meet CR7 in the flesh. He explained his plans, “God willing, all will go well at Real Madrid and with my career, and Cristiano will follow me!”

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Despite hailing from a country which has produced numerous soccer icons, Endrick’s admiration and respect for Cristiano Ronaldo is fascinating, to say the least. But, what of the Portuguese icon impresses the 17-year-old the most? It’s the mentality, per Endrick. He revealed, “More than anyone, I watched Cristiano. Not just his highlights, but also how hard he worked, and what others said about his mentality. From him, I learned that hard work is more important than talent.” Such comments illustrate that Endrick’s maturity is far beyond a normal 17-year-old.

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Do you agree with Endrick’s choices? Tell us below in the comments.

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Written by:

Adithya Narayanan

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Adithya is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. A Liverpool fanboy, he takes pride in being alive to witness Jurgen Klopp taking the Reds to domestic and European glory. Adithya loves an in-depth soccer chat involving tactical intricacies and stats.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra