One of the world’s worst kept secrets has now been officially revealed, with New Balance announcing the signing of Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick, the 17-year old who’s set to sign for Real Madrid next summer.
Last month, future Real Madrid star Endrick was spotted training in a golden pair of New Balance Tekela v4, having already played in Brazil’s game against Colombia in a whiteout pair, lending serious weight to reports that he was set to sign for the American brand. Well, now New Balance has officially announced the signing of the 17-year-old in what is no surprise to anyone really. Still, the gold boots have also officially been revealed as part of the announcement: The ‘Accolade’ Tekela v4+ Low boots have been created bespoke to Endrick as a gift to celebrate his call-up to the Brazil national squad and his incredible role in Palmeiras claiming the league title.
For those unfamiliar with the youngster, in October 2022, aged 16, Endrick became the youngest ever player to represent Palmeiras before scoring for his boyhood club a few weeks later, in the process becoming the second youngest goal scorer in the history of Brazil’s Série A. He finished the season as the Palmeiras top goal scorer in the league with 11 goals, while winning his second, back-to-back, Brazilian Serie A trophy.
His special ability on the pitch has not gone unnoticed, earning himself a call-up to the Brazil national team squad for its 2026 World Cup qualifiers, becoming the youngest player to be called up in nearly 30 years. He went on to make his debut for Brazil against Colombia, making himself the fourth youngest player ever to represent the nation and the youngest to debut in nearly 60 years.
In July 2024, he will join Real Madrid when he turns 18, representing the most lucrative transfer ever of a player from the Brazilian market.
Endrick said: “It is a great honour to join the New Balance family and partner with a brand that is aligned with the same core values that I embody both on and off the pitch. As I continue to strive for excellence in my professional career, I know that New Balance will support my journey every step of the way.”
Andrew McGarty, Global Director of Sports Marketing for Global Football at New Balance said: “It’s incredibly rare to witness a player so infectiously exciting and determined to carve his own path at such a young age as Endrick, and we’re honoured to become a part of what we believe will be a historic journey together. Endrick epitomises our Fearlessly Independent spirit and everything we champion as a brand. Together with Endrick and his family, we look forward to giving back to the community in Brazil, reflecting his values and ours as a brand. He has the world at his feet and we’re enthusiastically proud to welcome him to the New Balance family.”
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