At only 18 years old, he is already a star. Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, better known as Endrick, scored a goal last Tuesday that made history for his club, Real Madrid. He became the youngest person to score in the Champions League (ahead of the legendary Raúl) and showed a lot of personality. This was expressed by his own teammates, like Thibaut Courtois: "Yes, I think he has a lot of personality. To dribble past Kylian and Vini to score the goal himself... If you score a goal, there's nothing more to say. He has a very powerful shot and a bright future."
The goalkeeper emphasized the talent and audacity of this 18-year-old kid who has joined the team with a clear mindset. He faces tough competition in the forward line with Mbappé, Vinicius, and Rodrygo, but he only needs five minutes on the field to score a goal. The player seems to be one who dares and progresses quickly. Ancelotti, his coach, also praises the bravery of his young player. As sports journalism increasingly delves into the private lives of footballers, Endrick has started to attract personal news. The forward celebrated the goal he scored against Stuttgart by kissing the hand where he wears his wedding ring. The Brazilian pearl married his girlfriend, model and influencer Gabriely Miranda (21), and the good news they shared last weekend went beyond football to spark a debate about why they got married so early.
The first explanation came precisely from the Real Madrid coach, who said that Endrick "is brave in all aspects of his life," without wanting to comment further on his private life. Besides bravery, it is true that footballers tend to be very precocious in terms of marriages and children. Another fundamental aspect of Endrick's life is his deep religious faith, which led him to marry at a young age. In the joint post he made with his now-wife Gabriely, they both demonstrated this. "Matthew 19:6: 'So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.' We are finally married," they showed to all their followers with a Gospel verse.
The post, which gathered likes in a matter of minutes, caused a stir and surprise among their fans. It is not the first time the couple has turned to the Bible to show their love. Since they met in 2022 by chance at a shopping center, the couple has not held back in showing affection. "I still remember that second. I have my greatest blessing. I have prayed for you, look at what God has given me," they posted last March.
Another reason that led the couple to marry is their desire to become parents soon. This was expressed by Endrick himself in an interview he gave alongside his girlfriend in Brazil. "As I told my father and mother, I want to be a young father, I want to see my child grow, have a bond, but she [Gabriely] is the one who has to say yes or no, right?"
The religious factor is crucial when saying 'I do,' as seen in other players who are also believers (and young). Vitor Roque, former Barça player and currently playing for Betis, got married to his girlfriend at 19 in 2023. Also Brazilian, like Endrick, he shared images of his wedding along with a Bible quote. "Mr. and Mrs. Roque Ferreira. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. Corinthians 13:13."
The most prominent example of religious Brazilians was Ricardo Kaká. The footballer had an accident at 18 and became very religious since then. He even confessed that if he were not a footballer, he would have dedicated his life to God. "If I weren't a footballer, I would be an evangelical pastor." He married Caroline Celico at 23, also very religious and a follower like him of the Brazilian church Renacer. It was common to see Kaká wearing shirts that said "I belong to Jesus," and his reference book is the Bible.
Although many players are very religious, not all of them get married. This is the case of Vinicius, also a fervent believer (and Brazilian) but who has not been known to have any serious relationship. In general, young players are highly sought after, and it is challenging for them to commit. The star of Barça, Lamine Yamal, broke up with his girlfriend, and Gavi surely still has phone numbers being passed to him on little notes.