Can Endrick Replace Raphinha on Brazil's Right Wing?

Brazil’s commanding 3-0 World Cup group-stage victory over Haiti should have been remembered as another demonstration of the Seleção’s attacking abundance. Instead, the match may ultimately be recalled as the evening Brazil lost one of its most structurally important players.

When Raphinha limped off in the 38th minute with a suspected hamstring injury in Philadelphia, Carlo Ancelotti instantly faced a problem larger than a simple personnel replacement. Brazil did not merely lose a winger; they lost width, defensive discipline, pressing balance, and one of the side’s most intelligent tactical interpreters.

The question now confronting Ancelotti ahead of the decisive clash with Scotland is not simply who replaces Raphinha, but rather: how should Brazil evolve without him?

And within that dilemma emerges the most intriguing possibility of all - Endrick on the right flank.

More Than a Number Nine

At first glance, Endrick appears an unlikely solution. He is naturally a centre-forward, a striker whose instincts revolve around attacking central spaces, exploding into the penalty area, and finishing sequences with ruthless directness.

Yet modern attacking football increasingly blurs positional boundaries, and Endrick possesses qualities that allow him to transcend the limitations of a traditional No. 9.

As a naturally left-footed attacker, operating from the right wing transforms him into an inverted forward rather than a conventional touchline winger. Instead of stretching the field horizontally like Raphinha, Endrick attacks diagonally. His first instinct is not to cross, but to invade central corridors - cutting inward onto his stronger foot, accelerating through half-spaces, and turning transition moments into immediate scoring situations.

This profile fundamentally changes Brazil’s attacking geometry.

With overlapping support from Danilo and creative combinations through Lucas Paquetá, Endrick would not be asked to imitate Raphinha’s role. He would instead become a secondary striker beginning from a wider launch point.

That distinction is critical.

The Lyon Experiment

Importantly, this tactical possibility is not theoretical improvisation.

During his 2025/26 loan spell at Olympique Lyon, Endrick was deliberately tested in wider attacking roles to accommodate more static central forwards. The experiment revealed dimensions of his game often overshadowed by his reputation as a pure finisher.

From the right side, his acceleration became even more devastating in open grass. His physical resistance allowed him to survive isolated duels against full-backs, while his direct dribbling gave Lyon an aggressive vertical outlet during transitions.

Most notably, Endrick showed an ability to move from wide to central spaces with frightening speed - a trait that mirrors the evolution of many elite modern forwards. Rather than remaining fixed to the wing, he drifted inward like an auxiliary striker, constantly threatening the blind side of defenders.

For Brazil, that dynamic could become enormously valuable.

A Different Brazil Entirely

Replacing Raphinha with Endrick would not be a like-for-like alteration. It would create an entirely different attacking ecosystem.

Standard Structure (with Raphinha)

Vinícius Júnior - Matheus Cunha - Raphinha

In this version, Brazil’s attack maintains width and positional balance. Raphinha stretches defensive lines, tracks back relentlessly, and provides creative delivery from advanced areas. His movements create spacing for Vinícius and allow Cunha to drift between lines.

Altered Structure (with Endrick)

Vinícius Júnior -  Matheus Cunha - Endrick

This version is more chaotic, more vertical, and considerably more aggressive.

Cunha’s tendency to drop deep and connect play could create channels for Endrick to attack from the weak side. Instead of receiving to create, Endrick receives to destroy - attacking depth immediately, flooding the box alongside Vinícius, and transforming Brazil into a side built around direct penetration rather than controlled width.

The consequence is obvious: Brazil would gain another goal threat but sacrifice some tactical equilibrium.

Raphinha offers defensive volume and structure. Endrick offers unpredictability and violence in transition.

Against a deep defensive block, that trade-off might actually benefit Brazil.

The Alternatives on Ancelotti’s Board

Still, Ancelotti possesses more orthodox options.

Rayan

The immediate substitute against Haiti, Rayan represented the safest in-game adjustment. His inclusion suggested Ancelotti initially preferred preserving positional symmetry rather than redesigning the attack mid-match.

Luiz Henrique

Perhaps the purest tactical replacement available. A natural right winger, Luiz Henrique offers authentic width, touchline progression, and crossing ability — the closest approximation to Raphinha’s natural role.

Gabriel Martinelli

Though primarily left-sided, Martinelli’s relentless pressing intensity and tactical versatility make him a viable solution anywhere across the front line. His work rate would preserve much of Brazil’s defensive structure out of possession.

Each alternative maintains balance.

Endrick, however, changes the emotional temperature of the attack itself.

The Final Calculation

Can Endrick play on the right wing?

Absolutely.

His left-footed profile, explosive acceleration, and instinctive inward movements make him naturally suited to the role of an inverted right-sided forward. The evidence from Lyon demonstrates he can execute those responsibilities at a high level.

But the deeper question is whether Brazil should make that shift.

Deploying Endrick wide would not simply replace Raphinha - it would signal a philosophical adjustment from controlled positional play toward a more ruthless, transition-heavy attack. Brazil would become less stable, but potentially far more dangerous.

And perhaps that is exactly the temptation confronting Carlo Ancelotti.

Because in tournament football, there are moments when tactical balance matters less than raw devastation in the final third.

An asymmetrical front three of Vinícius Júnior, Matheus Cunha, and Endrick may lack traditional harmony.

But it could also become Brazil’s most terrifying attacking weapon of the World Cup.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil's Search for a No. 9: Endrick’s Promise and the Risk Brazil Must Take

Brazil's recent friendly against Mexico unveiled an intriguing picture of a team still in search of coherence ahead of Copa America 2024. With an experimental lineup featuring fresh faces, it was evident that head coach Dorival Júnior was willing to explore options, testing the team’s depth and versatility. A promising early goal—within just five minutes—hinted at an electric start, yet the performance that followed fell short of expectations. Brazil struggled to control the tempo, with cracks appearing in the midfield as Mexico quickly grew into the game, posing a constant threat.

As the game progressed, the reintroduction of established stars added a much-needed boost in rhythm and energy. However, Mexico’s cohesion and resilience cast a shadow on Brazil's scattered play. Despite a two-goal lead, defensive lapses allowed Mexico to claw their way back into the game, ultimately equalizing in the final moments of regular time. This was a glaring reminder of Brazil’s ongoing struggle to maintain composure under pressure, and a testament to the Mexican side’s determination and organization.

Yet, a breath of brilliance emerged from Brazil’s ranks in the closing seconds of stoppage time. The young sensation Endrick, already becoming a crucial impact substitute, combined deftly with Vinicius Jr. to deliver a 96th-minute winner that again shifted the narrative. Endrick’s third goal in as many games is not merely a flash of youthful promise but a statement of intent. The 17-year-old has shown technical proficiency and an unteachable sense of timing and resilience—traits vital to a traditional Brazilian number 9.

Since 2006, Brazil has often seemed adrift in its search for a reliable finisher, a void that Endrick now hints at filling. Although Dorival Júnior may be cautious of his age, Brazilian football has a history of trusting prodigious talents, from Pele in 1958 to Ronaldo in 1994. For a nation steeped in such a legacy, perhaps the biggest risk is not taking one. In a squad brimming with gifted attackers, Endrick’s maturity and poise under pressure suggest he may be ready to shoulder the responsibility, injecting vigour and assurance into a role Brazil has struggled to solidify. The question isn’t whether he deserves the chance—it’s whether Brazil can afford not to give it to him.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Night of Grit and Glory: Brazil’s Resilience at the Bernabéu

The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a theatre where dreams are made, broken, and often reborn. Beneath the stadium lights and the gentle breeze that whispers through its towering stands, the air brims with passion, competitiveness, and the kind of tension that only football can conjure. When Brazil and Spain locked horns in this iconic arena, the stage was set for a clash that tested not just skill but spirit.

A Dominant Spain, A Faltering Brazil

Spain seized control early, asserting their authority with precision and relentless pressing. Their dominance in the midfield was almost suffocating, with their wide players exploiting the flanks to devastating effect. Brazil, in stark contrast, appeared disjointed. The midfield struggled to find its rhythm, their passes astray, their structure unsteady. At the back, the Canarinhos crumbled under Spain’s consistent pressure, conceding two goals that seemed to put the game out of reach.

At halftime, the scoreboard read 2-0 in Spain’s favour, and the narrative seemed destined to highlight Brazil’s shortcomings. But football, like life, often reserves its most dramatic twists for when hope seems lost.

Rodrygo Goes: A Flicker of Light

Enter Rodrygo Goes, Brazil’s number 10, and a player steeped in the mystique of Real Madrid’s royalty. While not his most polished performance, Rodrygo was Brazil’s spark, tirelessly seeking the ball and crafting opportunities. In the 39th minute, his opportunistic instincts shone through. Capitalizing on a goalkeeper’s error, he finished with composed precision, dinking the ball delicately over the onrushing Spaniard. The goal breathed life into Brazil’s faint hopes and energized a team that had been listless.

Yet, even Rodrygo’s efforts couldn’t mask the inefficiencies of Brazil’s play. Vinícius Júnior, typically a dazzling presence, struggled to make an impact, his finishing betraying his usually clinical nature. Brazil’s midfield woes persisted, with Lucas Paquetá and his counterparts unable to match Spain’s fluidity and coherence.

Endrick: The Spark of a New Era

The tide turned decisively at halftime, not with a tactical overhaul but with the introduction of 17-year-old Endrick. In a team searching for inspiration, the Real Madrid-bound prodigy provided it in abundance. Just four minutes after his introduction, he delivered his second goal for the national team—a clinical strike that underscored his uncanny ability to thrive under pressure.

Endrick’s impact is becoming emblematic of a brighter future for Brazilian football. Unlike some predecessors who chose paths that stunted their growth, Endrick’s decision to align with Real Madrid promises refinement under the tutelage of one of football’s most demanding institutions. He has the hunger and raw talent, and the Bernabéu promises to sculpt him into a champion.

A Test of Character

The match’s closing stages were a testament to Brazil’s indomitable spirit. Trailing 3-2, the Canarinhos threw caution to the wind, committing bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence bore fruit in the dying moments, as Lucas Paquetá—despite an otherwise underwhelming performance—slammed home the equalizer, rescuing Brazil from defeat.

Lessons Beyond the Scoreline

The 3-3 draw at the Bernabéu was not a masterpiece, but it was a narrative rich with lessons. Brazil’s performance was far from flawless, yet it highlighted a critical quality: resilience. In the face of adversity, they fought with grit and determination, refusing to capitulate to Spain’s dominance.

The Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) decision to arrange friendlies against elite European teams like Spain reflects a welcome shift in strategy. No longer content with hollow victories over weaker sides, Brazil is embracing challenges that expose their vulnerabilities and compel growth. These matches may not always yield wins, but they forge a team capable of competing at the highest level.

A Glimpse of Hope

Brazil may still be a team in transition, but the signs of revival are undeniable. Rodrygo’s leadership, Endrick’s precocious talent, and a collective refusal to accept defeat point to a future filled with promise. As the Bernabéu bore witness to their struggles and triumphs, one thing became clear: the Samba Boys are learning to dance to a tougher, more demanding rhythm, one that may yet lead them back to the pinnacle of world football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A New Era Begins: Brazil’s Resurgence at Wembley

In the annals of football, some debuts transcend the immediate narrative of the match, hinting instead at futures laden with promise and glory. Such was the case in 1994 when a relatively unknown Algerian-born talent named Zinedine Zidane stepped onto the pitch for France. The team, reeling from an uninspired era, found its salvation as Zidane scored twice to overturn a dire situation against the Czech Republic. The performance foretold greatness—a spark igniting an illustrious career.

Fast forward 30 years to a cold night at Wembley, a stage steeped in football lore. Brazil, a team weighed down by recent struggles and a shadow of their once-dominant self, faced an England brimming with confidence and talent. Newly appointed manager Junior Dorival, a man entrusted with Brazil’s revival, handed debuts to five players, signalling a bold new direction. Among them was Endrick, a prodigy barely 17 years old. In the 71st minute, he stepped onto the sacred turf, and nine minutes later, he etched his name into the moment with a stunning winner.

A Tactical Masterclass

The 1-0 scoreline belies the nuance of Brazil’s performance. This was no smash-and-grab. Dorival’s tactical acumen was evident in how his side controlled proceedings against an England team celebrated for its incisive attacking play. Deploying Rodrygo Goes as a false nine was a masterstroke, allowing him to drop into pockets of space and link with the dynamic duo of Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães. Vinícius Júnior, always a spectacle to watch, played with a venomous intent, tormenting England’s defenders with his quicksilver feet and razor-sharp runs.

Brazil’s organization was striking. Compact without the ball and fluid with it, they denied England rhythm and forced them into a reactive stance. The interplays between Vinícius and Rodrygo epitomized Brazil’s traditional flair, but it was married with an unyielding defensive discipline—a combination that made the South Americans the more dangerous team throughout the night.

Endrick: A Star in the Making

Amidst the tactical brilliance, it was the story of Endrick that captured hearts. At 17 years and 246 days, he became not just a debutant but the decisive figure in a marquee clash. His goal wasn’t merely a tap-in; it was a statement—bold and audacious, the kind of impact that only the truly special players manage on their first outing. For Brazil, it was a moment reminiscent of past legends announcing their arrival. For Real Madrid, who secured his services long before his senior debut, it was a vindication of their unparalleled scouting prowess.

The Bigger Picture

Brazil entered Wembley as underdogs, a team perceived to be in decline. Yet, by the final whistle, they had rewritten that narrative. The scoreline, though modest, reflected the maturity of a team undergoing transformation. The flair of old was there, but so was a newfound resilience—an indication that Dorival’s Brazil may well be on the cusp of something significant.

For England, the match served as a sobering reminder of football’s unpredictability. They began as favourites but found themselves chasing shadows for much of the game, struggling to impose their rhythm against a side that combined artistry with grit.

The Road Ahead

This victory is more than a morale boost; it is a declaration of intent. Brazil, under Junior Dorival, has taken its first steps toward resurgence. Consistency will now be the ultimate test. For a team rebuilding its identity, this performance is a foundation upon which to build a new legacy.

As for Endrick, his journey has just begun. Yet, in those electrifying nine minutes at Wembley, he gave the footballing world a glimpse of what might lie ahead—a reminder that, like Zidane in 1994, the greatest players often announce themselves with a moment of magic.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar