One of the world’s worst-kept secrets has finally been disclosed, with New Balance announcing the signing of Brazilian teenage star Endrick, the 17-year-old who is slated to join Real Madrid next summer.

Last month, prospective Real Madrid player Endrick was pictured practicing in a golden pair of New Balance Tekela v4, having previously played in a whiteout pair against Colombia, lending credence to claims that he was due to sign with the American brand. Now, New Balance has officially announced the signing of the 17-year-old, which comes as no surprise to anyone. Nonetheless, the gold boots have been formally revealed as part of the announcement: Endrick received the ‘Accolade’ Tekela v4+ Low boots as a present to commemorate his call-up to the Brazil national squad and his remarkable contribution in Palmeiras winning the league title.

Endrick became the youngest ever player to represent Palmeiras in October 2022, at the age of 16, before scoring for his boyhood club a few weeks later, becoming the second youngest goal scorer in the history of Brazil’s Série A. He concluded the season as Palmeiras’ leading goal scorer in the league, with 11 goals, while winning his second Brazilian Serie A title in a row.

His exceptional talent on the field has earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team roster for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, making him the youngest player to be called up in nearly 30 years. He went on to make his debut for Brazil against Colombia, becoming the fourth youngest player in the country’s history and the youngest in over 60 years.

He will join Real Madrid when he reaches 18 in July 2024, constituting the most costly transfer of a Brazilian player ever.

“It is a great honor to join the New Balance family and partner with a brand that shares the same core values that I embody both on and off the field,” Endrick said. As I strive for excellence in my professional career, I know that New Balance will be there to assist me every step of the way.”

“It’s incredibly rare to witness a player as infectiously exciting and determined to carve his own path at such a young age as Endrick, and we’re honoured to become a part of what we believe will be a historic journey together,” said Andrew McGarty, Global Director of Sports Marketing for Global Football at New Balance. Endrick embodies our Fearlessly Independent ethos as well as all we stand for as a business. We look forward to giving back to the community in Brazil with Endrick and his family, representing his beliefs as well as ours as a business. He has the world at his feet, and we are delighted to welcome him to the New Balance family.”