Brazil forward Endrick confirmed this week that Carlo Ancelotti has adopted the nickname "Bobby" for him, highlighting their close working relationship.
Speaking after Brazil’s friendly win over Croatia last Tuesday in Orlando, the 19-year-old said the name is now used by Ancelotti and his staff. “We’re very close, not only with Ancelotti, but with Davide and Francesco as well. We have a really good friendship. They don’t even call me Endrick, they call me Bobby, they like me a lot,” Endrick said.
The nickname “Bobby” originated after Endrick publicly cited England legend Bobby Charlton as one of his football idols during an interview with a YouTuber. The moniker has since spread beyond Brazil’s national team setup. At Real Madrid, teammate Jude Bellingham referenced it on social media, commenting “Come on, Bobby!!!” on Endrick’s Instagram post following the club’s European Super Cup victory in Warsaw. Ancelotti previously coached Endrick at Real Madrid before taking charge of Brazil.
Endrick featured in the friendly at Camping World Stadium, winning a penalty and providing an assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in Brazil’s win. The striker, developed at Palmeiras, said the reception from fans gave him “goosebumps” and reiterated his aim to earn a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.