Brazil's Teenage Sensation Signs For Real Madrid, But Cannot Play Until 2024; Here's Why

Real Madrid have signed Brazilian teenager Endrick Felipe from Palmeiras, but the forward cannot join Los Blancos as yet.

The 16-year-old can join Real Madrid only in July 2024. Endrick has an 18-month wait before he can officially move to the Spanish capital because of FIFA's rules for minor players.

FIFA implemented strict transfer laws preventing minors from playing abroad to avoid player abuse. European players, however, can move within the EU even if they are minors, according to Goal.com.

Nevertheless, this is not the first such case for Real Madrid as the Champions League winners had signed star winger Vinicius Junior from Flamengo 15 months before he turned 18.

Endrick, who is fondly called the "newest jewel of Brazilian football," is a promising forward and has drawn comparisons to Brazil legends Ronaldo and Romario. He is both right and left-footed with a fine ability for shooting. Endrick caught everyone's attention with his impressive performances in Brazil's Copinha (Under-20 championship) cup early this year.

As an 11-year-old, Endirck joined Brazilian club Palmeiras' youth team. He netted an incredible 165 goals in 169 matches across all youth competitions.

Endrick, who made his senior debut this year with Palmeiras, has promised to be fully committed to the club until he moves to Real Madrid.

"Until I join Real Madrid, I will continue to dedicate myself as I always have in order to offer Palmeiras even more on the field: more goals, more victories, more titles and even more joy for our fans," said Endrick.

In Brasileirão, the country's primary soccer competition, Endrick has netted three goals and an assist in seven appearances.

While Endrick has been compared to several Brazil players including Romario, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Vinicius Jr, the teenage sensation's role model is former Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an interview, Endrick was asked how he deals with the pressure of being called the "future of world soccer."

The teenage winger replied, "I try not to think about the future. My focus is on the present, always on the next game. I have to give myself as much as possible on the field, so that I can help the team. I defend the colors of a great club, which gives me everything I need to play at the highest level. My family and the people around me help me stay focused."

Endrick's current market value is on the rise and is around $20 million, according to Transfermarkt.