Romário criticizes Endrick after Brazil’s shocking World Cup exit to Norway
Brazil's round-of-16 loss sparks fierce debate about the national team's future, with implications rippling into the sports betting and fan token markets tied to major football clubs.
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup dream ended with a 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16, and legendary striker Romário wasted approximately zero seconds before going after the young forward who missed the chance that might have changed everything.
Endrick, the Real Madrid prodigy who was supposed to be the future of Brazilian football, whiffed on a critical scoring opportunity. Romário’s verdict was blunt: the kid “had to score that goal.” Age, in Romário’s view, is not a valid excuse.
The fallout from a miss heard round the world
For context, Romário is not just some pundit with a hot take. He won Brazil the 1994 World Cup essentially by force of will, scoring five goals in the tournament. When he says a striker has to finish a chance like that, the critique carries the weight of someone who lived in the penalty box for a decade.
His criticism didn’t stop with Endrick either. Romário called certain aspects of the match “terrible,” extending his frustration to Vinícius Júnior’s attitude and coach Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical decisions.
Endrick responded publicly around July 7-8, expressing frustration with the missed chance while thanking God for the opportunity. He vowed to work harder for future matches. The 20-year-old plays for Real Madrid after moving from Palmeiras.