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Brazilian icon Ronaldo has urged supporters to remain patient with teenage sensation Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa following his lack of playing time during the Selecao’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup opener. The legendary striker insisted the 19-year-old is fully prepared for the tournament but will have to wait his turn behind formal alternative attacking options.
Fans demand teenage inclusion
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave the Real Madrid star on the bench sparked heavy criticism from passionate supporters who believed the striker could have unlocked the Moroccan defence. Endrick recently scored a winning goal against Egypt in a warm-up friendly, leading many to believe he deserved a prominent role. However, Ronaldo fully defended the manager’s hierarchy, pointing out that an unexpected injury to midfielder Bruno Guimaraes disrupted Brazil’s planned attacking substitutions late on.
Ronaldo explains attacking hierarchy
Talking further Resenha de Copa, the legendary 2002 World Cup winner insisted the youngster was on par with his international team-mates but that he had to respect the depth of the squad.
Ronaldo stated: “I’m sure he’ll get his opportunity. He’ll come at some point, but right now he’s the third option in attack. There’s Igor Thiago, there’s Matheus Cunha and then there’s him.
“I think he would have come into the game [against Morocco] if it wasn’t for the substitution where I think Bruno Guimaraes asked to come out… It’s an important detail. Because Ancelotti definitely went after the victory. But listen, he’s ready, forget it, he’s ready.
“He’s competing out there with other big players. He’s on par with Matheus Cunha from Manchester United and Igor Thiago was a top scorer in England so we’re well served right now.”
Goal difference becomes critical
The pressure is mounting on the South American giants to secure maximum points and build decisive momentum after theirs
He added: “I think this next game will be important for everyone to gain confidence. Obviously the win is very important, but the goal difference will be crucial in this fight for first place – it will decide the top spot in the group. So we have to take every chance so we don’t end up struggling.”
Decisive group match ahead
The Selecao must quickly find their clinical edge before traveling to Philadelphia for a crucial second group game against Haiti. Ancelotti’s star-studded squad will then round off their opening pool commitments when they lock horns with a resilient Scotland side in Miami. Securing a commanding victory over Haiti by a healthy goal margin will be absolutely crucial to Brazil’s chances of topping the group standings and securing a favorable knockout draw.
