Endrick's former coach reveals his father couldn't afford the R$ 20 monthly fee: 'I told him he wouldn't need to'

Endrick gains prominence ahead of the Brazil vs. Haiti World Cup match The striker Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, a standout for the Brazilian National Team and current number 19 of the squad, almost missed out on a soccer school in Goiás because his family could not afford a monthly fee of R$ 20. The revelation was made by Marília Rocha, an entrepreneur and Endrick's former coach, who decided to help the boy after noticing his potential during his very first training sessions. In an interview with TV Anhanguera, Marília recounted meeting Endrick when he was only 4 years old, at the Gol de Letra soccer school in Valparaíso de Goiás.

According to her, the athlete's father, Douglas Sousa, insisted that his son have an opportunity, even though he was younger than the other students. ✅ Click and follow the g1 GO channel on WhatsApp "At that time, I didn't work with such young athletes, but Douglas brought Endrick to my school and asked for an opportunity. Right away, I thought: 'no, he is too young, he is going to cry', because he would be training with the older boys", she recalled. After observing the boy's performance, the coach said she realized he had something different. "The training ended, and the father came to talk to me.

I told him that his son had something special. And he said: 'Marília, I don't have the means to have my son here, to buy materials'.

And I said: 'no, you won't need to'. From that moment on, I was going to adopt him", she said. Endrick is a standout for the Brazilian National Football Team Reproduction/TV Anhanguera | Endrick's Instagram READ ALSO: Endrick's former coach recalls the player's journey at a soccer school in Goiás: 'He was fearless' Who is the Brazilian referee who will officiate the opening match of the 2026 World Cup and is a success on social media From Brazil's colors to Neymar images: see the streets in Goiás that draw attention for their World Cup decorations 'He was fearless' According to Marília, Endrick drew attention with his energy and personality on the field from the very first days. "I put Endrick on the field and he was a firecracker.

He was very demanding. He wasn't afraid, he was fearless, he ran the entire field.

I saw a lot of grit, a lot of strength, a lot of energy", she stated. The former coach also remembers that the striker always demonstrated leadership and competitiveness. "He wanted to be the number 10, he wanted to be the captain, he was the one who wanted to take the penalties", she said. More than just a student Over time, the relationship between the two went beyond the sporting environment. Marília claims that Endrick began to become part of the family's routine. "Endrick was not just a simple student.

I wasn't just Endrick's coach. Endrick had a life within my home.

There was his favorite food, there was his little corner to keep his clothes", she reported. Endrick alongside coach Marília Rocha Reproduction/TV Anhanguera In search of opportunities As the player stood out in championships, Marília realized it would be necessary to seek greater challenges so that he could gain visibility. She formed a partnership with a school in Brasília and began taking Endrick to train three times a week. "I talked to his father and explained: 'Look, Endrick is a different boy, he needs visibility, to participate in good championships and be seen'. He said to me: 'Marília, I don't have the financial conditions to take my son to train in another location'.

And I said: 'you won't have to worry. The responsibility of taking Endrick, accompanying him in games, anything, is mine'", she remembered. According to the former coach, the results appeared quickly.

Endrick used to finish championships among the top scorers, a performance that began to attract the attention of clubs across the country. Today, established as one of the main prospects of Brazilian football, the striker continues to carry with him the memory of his first steps on the fields of Goiás. 📱 See other news from the region on g1 Goiás. VÍDEOS: latest news from Goiás.