Gonzalo Garcia’s breakout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has excited fans ahead of the 2025–26 season and raised questions about Endrick’s future at the club. As Xabi Alonso prepares for his debut campaign as Real Madrid head coach, reports suggest the Spanish giants have made a final decision between the two rising stars.
With Kylian Mbappe unexpectedly sidelined due to acute gastroenteritis, Gonzalo was called upon to lead the line. The 21-year-old took full advantage of the opportunity, scoring four goals and adding an assist in six matches during the tournament.
His impressive showing earned him the Club World Cup Golden Boot. Meanwhile, Endrick missed the entire competition due to a hamstring tendon injury in his right leg, suffered during Real Madrid’s league match against Sevilla on May 18.
On Spanish show El Chiringuito, journalist Josep Pedrerol commented on the situation, suggesting it wouldn’t be viable for both players to remain in the squad, as they compete for the same role. According to Pedrerol, Real Madrid’s current plan is to keep Gonzalo and send Endrick out.
Gonzalo has now positioned himself as a legitimate option for Xabi Alonso, and despite originally being seen as the more likely to leave, Endrick’s recent injury relapse complicates matters. With two months of recovery still ahead, the Brazilian is unlikely to draw as much transfer interest as his Spanish counterpart.
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Gonzalo shows greater efficiency than Endrick
After making his first-team debut during the 2023–24 season, Gonzalo had limited opportunities. But his Club World Cup performances showed he may be the most clinical striker in the squad.
In the 2024–25 season, Gonzalo posted a better goal-per-game ratio (0.81) than Endrick (0.61), highlighting his superior finishing rather than flair. While Endrick offers more versatility in attack, Gonzalo’s physical profile and movement inside the box set him apart—especially with Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe already locked in as the two starting options.
