Estêvão is one of the standout names of the Ancelotti Era with Brazil. Goals, dazzling plays, and mature football despite just turning 18. A near-lock for the 2026 World Cup.

Curiously, the Chelsea forward has “overtaken” a former Palmeiras teammate in this race: Endrick. The 19-year-old is experiencing a very different moment at Real Madrid. Benched and far from the World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Estêvão leads Sofascore ratings for Brazil

Since his official debut for Brazil’s senior team against Ecuador in September 2024, Estêvão has shown remarkable growth in European football.

The young forward has played eight matches for Chelsea, scoring once and assisting another, with a Sofascore average of 7.19. For Brazil, he’s featured in nine games, netted three goals, and posted a 6.89 average: the highest among all forwards called up by Carlo Ancelotti during this period.

Endrick’s trajectory is the opposite. Including last season’s matches, the striker averaged 6.79 with the Spanish club. However, this season he hasn’t played a single official match for Real. For Brazil, since September 2024, he’s appeared in six games, scored no goals, and holds a Sofascore average of 6.43.

Despite having more experience, Endrick still seeks consistency and impact in big moments. Something Estêvão seems to have found quickly in England.

+ Ancelotti’s Brazil: review of first six matches

Different paths after Palmeiras

The journeys of Estêvão and Endrick after leaving Palmeiras highlight how the right environment can accelerate (or delay) the development of young talents. Estêvão chose Chelsea, a club known for giving opportunities to young players and investing in long-term projects.

His transfer involved around €61.5 million. The English club’s bet is paying off: the forward is gaining rhythm, confidence, and prominence both in the Premier League and with the national team.

Endrick took a different route. Sold to Real Madrid for about €60 million, he joined one of the most star-studded squads in world football, competing for space with elite players.

+ Neymar fights against injuries to avoid being forgotten by Ancelotti

These hefty sums, paid when both were still minors and Palmeiras players, reinforce their “gem” status. Not just for technical potential, but for expected returns in titles, performance, and market value.

Yet the choice of environment proves decisive: while Estêvão thrives with freedom and a leading role, Endrick faces the shadow of superstars and pressure to deliver in limited chances.

Endrick’s challenge at Real (or elsewhere)

Under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, Endrick’s situation has grown more complex. The Spanish coach has prioritized Mbappé as the central striker, rotating Rodrygo and Vinícius on the wings. This further limits the Brazilian’s opportunities, who had significantly more minutes last season under Carlo Ancelotti.

Spanish media speculate that Real Madrid is considering a loan move in the upcoming summer transfer window. The goal: give the striker more playing time and allow him to develop without intense pressure.

A switch to a mid-tier team in Spain or the Premier League could offer the ideal stretch for Endrick to regain confidence and rhythm. Key elements to be reconsidered by Ancelotti in future call-ups.

Shared title and records

Teammates in Palmeiras’ 2023 Brazilian Championship win, Estêvão and Endrick began their journey to the top of world football together. Since then, however, the Chelsea youngster has racked up records that underscore his meteoric rise.

Estêvão, for instance, became the youngest player to score twice on a single match for Brazil — a feat achieved in a friendly against South Korea. He’s also been a regular in call-ups, contributing directly to goals.

“So who’s more closer to the World Cup?” asks this article’s title. The answer is Estêvão, a near-certain name on the squad list for the tournament. Endrick, meanwhile, struggles with low visibility and rare minutes at Real Madrid, weakening his case.

If the Madrid striker manages to gain more playing time — ideally at a club where he can shine — he could reignite his fight for a spot. And with one wonderkid already rising and another regaining form, Ancelotti could count on a highly promising and valuable duo for the 2026 World Cup.