Brazil’s most exciting young attacker watched his country’s World Cup opener from the least exciting seat in the stadium. Endrick Felipe, 19 years old, did not play a single minute of Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco on June 14.

Carlo Ancelotti, the man now tasked with restoring Brazilian football to its throne, made the call to keep Endrick on the bench. Ancelotti declined to comment on individual selection decisions after the Morocco draw.

Just days earlier, in a friendly against Panama, Endrick entered at halftime and immediately changed the complexion of the game. Brazil went on to win 6-2, with the teenager playing a pivotal role in the second-half explosion. Yet against Morocco, with points actually on the line, Ancelotti chose to leave that weapon holstered for the full 90 minutes.

Lyon loan showed the ceiling

Before the World Cup, Endrick spent time on loan at Lyon in Ligue 1, where he put up 5 goals and 7 assists in just 16 appearances.

A pattern, not an isolated incident

This isn’t the first time Endrick and Ancelotti have been at the center of a playing-time controversy. During the 2024-25 season at Real Madrid, Endrick’s minutes were severely limited, generating similar frustration among fans who believed the teenager deserved more opportunities.