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Brazilian wonderkid Endrick is starting to live up to the hype built around him. The teenage prodigy bagged his first goal as a professional on Tuesday night, becoming the youngest player to do it in Palmeiras' history at 16 years, three months and four days.
Endrick came off the bench in the second half during Palmeiras' visit to Athletico Paranaense and changed the game's narrative, going from a painful 0-1 defeat to a thrilling 3-1 victory that practically secured a new title for the Verdão — one more win over the next four games and they'll be champions.
Endrick's goal was scored in the 70th minute, thanks to a beautiful, well-timed run and header inside the box.
Endrick first goal as a pro
History was made last night.
Potentiality the first of hundreds & hundreds of Endrick goals. pic.twitter.com/Y83gXO7T7S— Fútbol Spy (@SpyFutbol) October 26, 2022
Endrick's first sip of glory came in his fourth game as a professional, and it's worth noting that he entered the match as a sub in all those.
By the way, Endrick didn't only help with a goal. Minutes earlier, he stole a ball from a Paranaense defender and enabled Palmeiras' equalizer. The play was a little confusing in its resolution and led many to believe that Endrick had scored, but the goal was officially given to Gustavo Scarpa while Endrick was awarded the assist.
Endrick got a second goal in this game too, there was a lot of debate whether it was his goal or not but this angle in slow motion shows it was! pic.twitter.com/gsVvydomWi
— The Next Wave (@_TheNextWave) October 26, 2022
Endrick is here! He scored and a brace made history. ⭐️
At 16 years, 3 months, 4 days old he became the youngest goal-scorer in Palmeiras history. pic.twitter.com/nw2AgdxBK2— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 26, 2022
Captain Gustavo Gomez sealed the victory with a header minutes later.
How does Endrick's first goal compare with other scoring debuts?
It's no surprise that several big European teams are already daydreaming about having Endrick in their squad. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG, you name it.
But is he really that good?
For his age, there's no doubt he's fantastic. And although scoring a goal that young is no guarantee of a successful career, his name is now among with other global stars.
Here's a list for reference:
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 18 years and 27 days
- Lionel Messi, 17 years and 10 months
- Cristiano Ronaldo, 17 years and eight months
- Kylian Mbappé, 17 years and one month
- Neymar, 17 years and one month
- Vinícius Jr., 17 years and 29 days
- Ronaldo Nazario, 16 years and 10 months
- Erling Haaland, 16 years and nine months
- Endrick, 16 years and three months
- Diego Maradona, 16 years and 15 days
- Pelé, 15 years and 10 months
Not bad, right?
Now only the future will tell us if he'll be able to keep up with greatness or if, at some point, pressure comes to eat his legs.
