The end of 2023 is near, but New Balance isn’t done adding big names to its athlete roster. The newest addition is Brazilian teenage soccer star Endrick.
New Balance said via statement on Tuesday that the signing of the athlete, who is just 17 years old, is part of its commitment of “championing the next generation of talent, seamlessly blending athletic excellence with cultural influence.”
“It’s incredibly rare to witness a player so infectiously exciting and determined to carve his own path at such a young age as Endrick, and we’re honored to become a part of what we believe will be a historic journey together,” Andrew McGarty, New Balance global director of sports marketing for global football, said in a statement. “Endrick epitomises our fearlessly independent spirit and everything we champion as a brand. Together with Endrick and his family, we look forward to giving back to the community in Brazil, reflecting his values and ours as a brand. He has the world at his feet and we’re enthusiastically proud to welcome him to the New Balance family.”
Born Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa, the soccer star’s rise to global stardom began when he was just 15 years old while playing for the Palmeiras and Brazil youth teams. In October 2022, at the age of 16, he became the youngest ever player to represent Palmeiras, the professional soccer club based in São Paulo. Endrick scored 11 goals this season for Palmeiras, helping the team win its second consecutive Brazilian Serie A championship.
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On Nov. 6, it was announced that Endrick was called-up to the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He made his debut for Brazil on Nov. 16 against Colombia, which made him the fourth youngest player ever to represent the nation and the youngest to debut in nearly 60 years. And in July 2024, Endrick will join Real Madrid when he turns 18. It was reported in December 2022 that Real Madrid agreed to a €60 million ($64 million at the conversion rate at the time) to acquire Endrick from Palmeiras.
“It is a great honor to join the New Balance family and partner with a brand that is aligned with the same core values that I embody both on and off the pitch,” Endrick said in a statement. “As I continue to strive for excellence in my professional career, I know that New Balance will support my journey every step of the way.”
What’s more, New Balance revealed the limited-edition “Accolade” Tekela v4+ Low soccer boot, executed in gold. According to the brand, these were created for Endrick as a gift to celebrate his call-up to the Brazil national team and his role in Palmeiras claiming the league title.
Aside from Endrick, New Balance has been busy as of late adding young talent with big names to its athlete roster. For instance, the brand added NBA All-Star Darius Garland to its team in November and college hoops standout Cameron Brink — the first female basketball player to be backed by New Balance — in August.
