Endrick Seeks Fresh Start with Lyon Ahead of World Cup

Brazilian teenager Endrick is poised to revitalize his career as he prepares for his competitive debut with Olympique Lyonnais in the French Cup against Lille on January 14, 2024. The 19-year-old forward, currently on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season, aims to demonstrate his abilities and secure a spot in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Having struggled for playing time at the Santiago Bernabéu under coach Xabi Alonso, Endrick expressed eagerness to seize this opportunity. “Leaving the biggest club in the world, where everyone dreams of playing, would be difficult for anyone, but I’m not leaving. It’s just a break,” he stated in an interview with Reuters. He elaborated on Lyon’s appeal, highlighting the club’s resources, passionate fans, and supportive coaching staff as crucial factors in his decision to join.

Real Madrid invested over €60 million to secure Endrick from Palmeiras, where he was recognized as a generational talent at just 16. Due to FIFA regulations concerning underage players, he had to wait until turning 18 to officially join the Spanish giants. His journey began in the disadvantaged neighborhoods of Brasilia, where he played a significant role in helping Palmeiras achieve a record-extending 12th Brazilian league title. Additionally, he became Brazil’s youngest international since Pele in 1957 and made headlines in March 2024 by scoring the youngest goal in an international match at Wembley, leading Brazil to a victory over England.

In his inaugural season with Real Madrid, Endrick scored seven goals in 37 appearances, primarily coming off the bench. However, a muscle injury at the start of the 2025-26 season, combined with limited opportunities under Alonso, significantly hampered his progress. With only two substitute appearances and one start in the Copa del Rey, the loan move to Lyon is intended to provide him with essential playing time and a fresh start.

“I arrived when I was just 18, and I scored on my debut in every tournament. A lot happened faster than many expected. I understand that people want me to play more, but I realize it’s not always going to happen that quickly—especially coming back from an injury,” Endrick reflected on his early career trajectory.

As the World Cup approaches, Endrick noted that Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, offered him guidance on how to enhance his game. Ancelotti advised him to leave Real Madrid to gain more playing time in an environment where he could thrive. He mentioned that Alonso shared similar sentiments and emphasized the importance of heeding advice from experienced coaches. “Ancelotti and Xabi advised me to seek playing time after I recovered from injury. They are two champions with winning careers. They’ve been through it all. Victories, defeats, injuries, titles… You have to listen to advice from people like that,” he said.

Currently, Lyon sits fifth in the Ligue 1 standings with 30 points, trailing leaders RC Lens by ten points and second-placed Paris Saint-Germain by nine. The team is leading in the Europa League standings and is set to face Lens in the French Cup, with a quarter-final spot on the line.

As Endrick embarks on this new chapter in Lyon, he remains focused on proving his potential and solidifying his place on the national team ahead of the World Cup. With the right mix of guidance, opportunity, and determination, he hopes to make a significant impact both at the club and international levels.