Mourinho urges Ancelotti to give Real Madrid forward Endrick a Brazil opportunity

Jose Mourinho has called on Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti to give Real Madrid forward Endrick playing time during the next international break, after again raising concerns about the limited role the 19-year-old has been given at club level.

Mourinho made the comments after Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla. According to Sport, the Portuguese manager sent a clear message to Ancelotti over the Brazilian striker’s situation.

“I am clear in my opinion: I want Endrick to play. If Ancelotti plays him during the next international break, I will be happy,” Mourinho said.

Brazil are scheduled to face Japan in a friendly on 14 November 2026, before Real Madrid return to La Liga action against Celta Vigo on 21 November 2026.

Mourinho’s comments are notable given how little Endrick has featured for Real Madrid this season. The forward has played 141 minutes in official matches, with 85 coming in La Liga and 56 in the Champions League.

He has appeared in seven games, scoring once and providing one assist, but has started only one of those matches. That represents a restricted role for a player who returned to Real Madrid after rebuilding his confidence and influence during a spell in France.

Endrick enjoyed a strong second half of last season with Olympique Lyon. During his loan spell, he scored eight goals and supplied eight assists in 21 matches, performances which raised expectations about what he could offer after returning to the Spanish club.

The Brazilian appeared to come back with enough quality to challenge for a more prominent place in Mourinho’s plans. However, competition for attacking positions has made it difficult for him to establish himself.

The arrival of Carlos Espi and the signing of Yan Diomande have further reduced Endrick’s opportunities. Mourinho has several options in the forward positions, while Endrick has been unable to secure a regular place in the rotation.

His lack of involvement was already creating doubts about whether he would remain at Santiago Bernabeu during the final stage of the summer transfer window. Roma came close to signing him on loan, but Mourinho intervened to prevent the move and decided to keep him in the squad.

The manager publicly defended Endrick’s ability at the time, saying clubs interested in signing him would have to compete for his signature.

Despite that backing, the continued shortage of minutes has revived questions about the player’s future. A January loan move has not been ruled out by media reports if his circumstances do not change in the coming weeks.

Roma continue to monitor Endrick’s position closely, while other clubs have also been linked with the Brazilian forward.