Brazilian wonderkid Endrick has shrugged off comparisons to iconic countryman Pele after emulating one of his exploits against Mexico.

Endrick, who is set to link up with La Liga and Champions League title holders Real Madrid this summer, stepped off the bench to snatch a 96th-minute winner in a dramatic friendly outing for the Selecao. His late header secured a 3-2 win on American soil.

Endrick had Brazil’s iconic No.9 shirt on his back and has become just the second player, after three-time World Cup winner Pele, to score three goals in three successive games for the South American nation – earning him more headlines and lavish praise.

The 17-year-old forward is, however, eager to avoid being placed into the same talent bracket as all-time greats. Endrick told reporters following his heroics against Mexico: “You create things of your own. You create crazy things. When I was younger, I watched a lot of social media. You guys keep comparing me to Victor Roque, to Pele. You guys are crazy. Pele was Pele. You shouldn’t compare anyone, because for me that’s ugly. Everyone has their own story, they know where they came from, they know what they have to go through to be able to play. And you want to compare player to player. Just let the story make the story.”

Endrick’s father, Douglas Ramos, has echoed those sentiments, telling UOL: “The only thing that I find a little uncomfortable is the comparison. There’s no way we can compare Endrick with Pele. He himself said that he wants to be known for what he did.” Brazil, who are readying themselves for Copa America duty, will be back in action on Wednesday when taking in a friendly date with the USMNT.

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