Real Madrid’s new signing Endrick picked between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Real Madrid starlet and new signing Endrick has weighed in on the perennial debate of the greatest footballer of all time between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked who he would pick between Messi or the former Real Madrid sensation, the Brazilian youngster chose Cristiano.

“Lionel Messi or Cristiano? Cristiano,” he said (via Madrid Zone).

The Brazilian joined Los Blancos from Palmeiras this summer after turning 18 for an undisclosed fee. He is touted to be a star to watch out for and emulate the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo in making the Madrid first team after

The 18-year-old attacker, who signed a contract with the Spanish giants till 2030, was unveiled to the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of July. Endrick endeared himself to the Los Blancos faithful with this choice of icon.

Leaving out Messi, Endrick also named Bobby Charlton, a surprise pick, alongside Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo as his childhood icon.

“Cristiano [Ronaldo], Bobby Charlton,” Endrick said when he was asked in Spanish who his idols were as a child growing up.

Charlton had won the Ballon d’Or the year he guided England to their only World Cup trophy – 1966. With 249 goals, Charlton holds the distinction of being Manchester United’s second-highest goalscorer. He tragically passed away in October 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, represented the Red Devils between 2003 and 2009, winning three Premier League trophies. The 39-year-old has won five Ballon d’Or awards, the most recent in 2017.

Endrick has a bit of Hazard – Courtois

Endrick, who would be hoping to emulate his icons, was given glowing reviews by his teammate, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian men likened him to his former teammate, Eden Hazard.

“He is not very tall, but he is very strong in his legs. He’s a bit like Eden (Hazard) when I met him at Chelsea – he also had strong legs. You can kick him and he’ll still stand. And he has a lot of strength in the shot. In training, I have seen him shoot hard,” the Belgian said (via AllFootball).

The 32-year-old, however, had a word of advice for Endrick saying that he has to calm down a little bit. Endrick was signed by Real Madrid on a pre-agreement in 2022 for an undisclosed fee with the club waiting patiently for two years to unveil him to the Madrid supporters.