Danilo asks for more protagonism for Endrick: "He is a rare gem of football"

Brazilian defender Danilo has called for more playing time for Real Madrid forward Endrick, describing the 19-year-old as a "rare gem of football." Danilo, a veteran leader on the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup, expressed his belief in Endrick's potential and his desire to see the young player gain more prominence within the national team. "He is powerful. He has star quality, sometimes he does things that one doesn't know how he did them. We want to have him close," Danilo said during a press conference at the team's concentration hotel in Basking Ridge, United States.

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He is powerful. He has star quality, sometimes he does things that one doesn't know how he did them. We want to have him close.

Endrick, who did not play a single minute in Brazil's 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening Group C match, warmed up on the sidelines but returned to the bench visibly disappointed. Danilo acknowledged the young player's frustration but assured him of his importance to the 'Seleção.' "I always tell him: 'Keep a cool head' to be ready when you have the opportunity to come in," the Flamengo defender revealed.

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For me, for Casemiro, for Neymar, it is our last opportunity. The national team will continue with them. So, what we can do to make them feel important, we will do.

Danilo also addressed the ongoing comparisons between the current Brazilian squad and legendary teams of the past, featuring players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Roberto Carlos, and Cafu. He urged fans and media to move past these comparisons, emphasizing that the role of a fullback has evolved significantly. "If we keep comparing ourselves to the sacred monsters, it's going to be difficult. We really won't find people like them," he stated.

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I always tell him: 'Keep a cool head' to be ready when you have the opportunity to come in.

He further dismissed notions of a scarcity of Brazilian fullbacks, citing players like Wesley (Roma), Dodô (Fiorentina), and Vanderson (AS Monaco) as examples of emerging talent. Danilo stressed that the modern fullback's role is more about balance than the attacking flair seen in previous eras. The veteran defender's comments highlight a desire to foster Endrick's development while also managing expectations and appreciating the current generation of Brazilian talent.

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If we keep comparing ourselves to the sacred monsters, it's going to be difficult. We really won't find people like them.