There was zero surprise when Paulo Fonseca heard the name of 'his' number nine on the list of 26 players called up by Carlo Ancelotti to the Brazil World Cup squad.
For the Portuguese coach, Endrick's call-up to the 2026 World Cup was truly 'inevitable', especially given the physical and tactical growth he has shown throughout the season.
The head coach of Lyon highlighted the young player’s impact at the French club and made it clear that his call-up to the World Cup was no coincidence.
"Obviously, I’m very pleased that he was called up. In fact, after his performances here, I think it was inevitable. His performances here were really, really positive," the coach stated.
Quick adaptation and immediate impact
After a season and a half at Real Madrid - with very few opportunities - Endrick arrived at Lyon on loan. Fonseca highlighted the cultural and sporting shock the striker faced upon arriving in France, which made his results on the pitch even more impressive.
"The numbers are incredible for such a short period. For a player who had to adapt to a new style of football, a new team, a new city. And we can’t forget that he came from a reality that is completely the opposite of what he found in Lyon," the Portuguese coach pointed out.
Development beyond goals
To justify Endrick’s spot among the 26 players chasing a sixth World Cup title, Fonseca went beyond his goal-scoring instinct. The coach revealed that the player’s biggest difference this season was his tactical commitment and maturity off the ball.
"He improved physically, he improved tactically, and I think his contribution to the team’s collective play improved immensely. That’s why I’m not surprised he was called up. He was truly an important player, very important for us," he analysed.
The future in Brazil’s shirt
Even though he’s already a real factor at the highest competitive level, the age of the number nine still impresses those who work with him daily. For Fonseca, the World Cup is just the first major chapter in a long story.
"I think he’s a player with a great future. He’s a player with unique technical quality and is only 19 years old. The truth is, people often forget that he’s in a tough environment and is only 19," the coach pointed out, predicting a long reign for the youngster in the yellow shirt.
"He has his whole career ahead of him and I believe that, as the years go by, he will become more and more influential in the Selecao do Brasil."
