Brazil's teenage duo Rayan and Endrick seize World Cup stage

Brazil's latest FIFA World Cup comeback not only secured a place in the Round of 16 but also offered a glimpse of a new generation. Teenagers Rayan and Endrick, both 19, have seized their opportunities on the world stage, stepping up when the five-time champions needed them most.

Rayan and Endrick shine in comeback win over Japan

In the Round of 32 against Japan, Rayan started his second consecutive match and played the full 90 minutes, while Endrick was introduced at half-time. With both players on the pitch, Brazil came from behind to win 2-1. Carlo Ancelotti's side will face Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday, with the two prodigies – both in contention for the FIFA Best Young Player Award – attracting significant attention.

Historic teenage duo

Against Haiti, Rayan and Endrick were on the pitch together from the 64th minute, becoming the first pair of teenagers to feature together for Brazil in a World Cup match since Sweden 1958. During Brazil's first World Cup triumph, 17-year-old Pelé and 19-year-old Mazzola played together in the 1-0 quarter-final victory over Wales.

Rayan's rapid rise

Rayan was one of the last forwards to earn a place in Ancelotti's squad, thanks to his impressive performances during his first few months in European football with Bournemouth, who have emerged as a surprise package in the Premier League this season. Initially seeming far from a starting spot, his opportunity came in the 40th minute against Haiti when Raphinha aggravated a right hamstring injury. Rayan came on and impressed his coach.

With the Barcelona winger unavailable, Ancelotti trusted Rayan against Scotland. “I think Rayan did well when he came on for Raphinha [against Haiti],” Ancelotti said before the match. “Rayan has a lot to offer in that respect. We do have other players who can adapt to the system, but Rayan is capable of providing that width if we need.” Rayan repaid that faith by forcing Scott McKenna into the mistake from which Vinícius Júnior scored Brazil's opening goal. He kept his place for the Japan match.

Against Scotland, Rayan became the sixth-youngest player ever to start a World Cup game for Brazil, and the youngest to do so since left-back Marco Antônio in 1970.

Endrick's growing role

Endrick's World Cup journey has followed a different path, but his role has steadily grown. After remaining on the bench for the opener against Morocco, he came on in the closing stages against both Haiti and Scotland. Against Japan, he was introduced at half-time for an injured Lucas Paquetá. With fans calling for the youngster to be given his chance, Ancelotti had already indicated Endrick would be important when the time was right.

Endrick did not score against Japan, but he helped push the opponents deep into their own box, creating space for teammates. “We knew we had to put a little more strength in the box to get back into the game; Endrick could give us that strength and make his presence felt,” Ancelotti said in his post-match press conference. “He played very well. He brought intensity and carried a real threat.”

A partnership forged in youth football

Endrick and Rayan coming together at key moments of the World Cup is the culmination of a sporting relationship that stretches back to youth football, where they were both teammates and rivals. In June 2022, they faced off in the final of the U-17 edition of the Copa do Brasil. Palmeiras won the first leg 4-1, with Endrick scoring a brace.