Real Madrid, a club synonymous with glory and high expectations, has been undergoing a period of significant transition as the 2025-26 season gets underway. With memories of a disappointing previous campaign still fresh, the club’s leadership moved swiftly to bring about change, beginning with the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti and the bold appointment of Xabi Alonso as head coach. This shake-up has already sent ripples through the squad, with new stars emerging and others facing uncertain futures.
At the center of this evolving story is Gonzalo García Torres, a young Spaniard whose rapid rise has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Promoted to the first team over the summer, García has quickly become a favorite of Xabi Alonso. In fact, Alonso’s faith in the young forward has been described as a "personal bet," and so far, it’s paying off. García’s energy and determination have injected new life into the Merengue attack, even as he contends with the presence of superstar Kylian Mbappé, who remains the undisputed main man up front.
Real Madrid’s summer was anything but quiet. The club invested heavily, bringing in four new signings at a combined cost of €167.5 million. These reinforcements were intended to bolster a squad that, by Madrid’s lofty standards, underachieved last season. Alongside these arrivals, only two notable departures took place: Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez, both of whom left behind sizable legacies and big shoes to fill. The club’s transfer activity underscored a clear intention: Madrid wants to reclaim its place atop European football, and it’s not taking any chances.
Yet, for every player whose star is rising, there’s another facing a crossroads. Endrick, the highly-touted Brazilian forward, arrived in Madrid with dreams of conquering Europe. But the reality has been far less glamorous. Plagued by a series of physical setbacks, Endrick found himself sidelined for four months—a significant chunk of time for a player at a critical stage of his development. When he finally returned to the squad on September 20, 2025, optimism briefly flickered. But the competition for places is fierce, and Xabi Alonso’s preference for García has left Endrick with precious few opportunities to prove himself.
The uncertainty surrounding Endrick’s future came to a head during the week of September 22 to 26, 2025, when his representatives met with Real Madrid’s top management. The main agenda? Clarifying the young striker’s role and prospects within the squad. According to sources close to the club, Madrid proposed a loan move for Endrick—without a purchase option—hoping he could regain form and confidence through regular playing time elsewhere. The idea wasn’t new; earlier in the summer, several clubs, including Real Sociedad, AC Milan, Juventus, and most recently Valencia, expressed interest in bringing Endrick in on loan.
But the Brazilian forward, showing no shortage of determination, rejected these offers. Instead, he’s chosen to stay and fight for his place in the Spanish capital. For Endrick, the prospect of leaving—even temporarily—doesn’t make sense. As one source put it, “he’s determined to fight for his place in the team.” The decision is a gamble, but it speaks to the player’s self-belief and his desire to make an impact at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s management isn’t standing still. In mid-September, they held an unannounced meeting at Valdebebas with Vinicius Junior’s agent, Frederico Pena. While initial speculation centered on contract negotiations for Vinicius, it soon emerged that the main topic of discussion was, in fact, Endrick’s future. The club’s leadership appears keen to resolve the situation quickly, aware that a prolonged saga could become a distraction as the season progresses.
Endrick’s predicament is further complicated by his ambitions on the international stage. Just a year ago, he was part of Dorival Junior’s Brazil national team, and now he’s reportedly aiming for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. The stakes couldn’t be higher. To achieve his dream, Endrick needs consistent playing time and a chance to showcase his talent—something that’s far from guaranteed at Madrid right now.
Adding another layer to the drama, former coach Carlo Ancelotti recently told Brazilian media, “team selections will be based solely on performance on the pitch.” While some interpreted this as a message directed at Rodrygo Goes, the underlying point applies to the entire squad. In Madrid, reputations count for little if they’re not backed up by performances. For Endrick, that means every training session, every cameo appearance, is a chance to stake his claim.
As for Gonzalo García, his emergence has been one of the early feel-good stories of Madrid’s season. The young Spaniard’s rise has delighted fans, many of whom see him as a symbol of the club’s renewed commitment to youth and homegrown talent. Still, even García faces challenges ahead. With Kylian Mbappé in the form of his life and firmly entrenched as the team’s attacking focal point, García will have to work hard to avoid being overshadowed. It’s a tough ask, but if his early performances are any indication, he’s up for the fight.
Looking ahead, the January transfer window looms large. Madrid could look to trim their squad, especially if fringe players continue to struggle for minutes. Endrick’s situation will be closely watched—not just in Spain, but across Europe and in Brazil, where national team aspirations are never far from the conversation. Will his resolve hold if opportunities remain scarce? Or will a loan move become inevitable as the season wears on?
For now, the action is ongoing, and the future remains unwritten. Real Madrid’s blend of high-profile signings, emerging local talent, and unresolved transfer sagas ensures that the spotlight will stay firmly fixed on the Bernabéu. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more twists, more intrigue, and—if history is any guide—a fair share of drama both on and off the pitch.
Whatever happens next, one thing’s for sure: in Madrid, the pursuit of excellence never takes a back seat. The coming weeks will reveal whether Endrick can carve out his place in this star-studded squad, or if new chapters await him elsewhere. For Gonzalo García, the opportunity to shine is now, and under Xabi Alonso’s watchful eye, Madridistas are hoping this is just the beginning of something special.