Brazilian wonderkid Endrick worships Ronaldo and Haaland

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 3 min read

Palmeiras sensation Endrick marked his first start for the club with a goal – and celebrated the moment in the style of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland.

The 16-year-old striker, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG among others, is the hottest property in Brazilian football at present and perhaps the most exciting teenager in the game.

He has been likened to Brazilian legends Romario and Ronaldo, and has already been making waves in Palmeiras’ first team, becoming both their youngest-ever player and youngest-ever goal scorer.

MORE: How Rodrygo and Vinicius are helping Real Madrid sign Bellingham and Endrick

On Wednesday, he started for first team against Fortaleza in a 4-0 win. With around 20 minutes remaining, he grabbed the final goal of the match, sliding home to convert a cross from the right.

MORE: Who is Endrick? The 16-year-old sensation that all Europe’s top clubs want

Endrick’s double celebration

After finding the net, he celebrated in a familiar style, pointing one hand to his ear and the other to the crowd like Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. After completing this part of his celebration, though, he put his hands across his chest in the manner that Cristiano Ronaldo did when he netted against Sheriff in the Europa League last week.

Endrick’s loyalties are clearly spread.

Indeed, following his first goal for the club, he celebrated in the style of Haaland, who is presently the most talked about player in world football de to his prolific scoring for Pep Guardiola’s team after making a move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

While Endrick may not hold a particular commitment to one team, what it does show is that he is studying the game’s top strikers carefully. It also hints at a respect for the Premier League, despite the fact that Real Madrid are widely credited with leading the race for the teenager.

Now all eyes will be on Palmeiras’ final three matches of the season to see if Endrick can repeat his scoring heroics – and if he can, who will follow Haaland and Ronaldo in being imitated by him.