Endrick’s Promising Journey: From Madrid to Lyon

The 19-year-old Brazilian talent, Endrick, experienced a promising debut season at Real Madrid after his transfer from Palmeiras in 2024. He netted seven goals in 37 appearances under the guidance of former manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, his playing time diminished under the management of Xabi Alonso, leading to a loan move to Lyon after just three appearances this season.

Endrick made an impressive start with Lyon, scoring in his debut match. Following this achievement, he expressed his joy, stating, “I’m very happy, it was my first match. The most important thing was this qualification. It was a difficult match; we knew they were a tough opponent. I thank God for the opportunities to score. I’m delighted to be back on the pitch and to have my smile back. It’s great, much better than I imagined. I can joke around with the whole team; I’ve gotten to know everyone well, and I speak both Spanish and English. I feel right at home. I thank the staff; it’s really great, and I appreciate everyone.”

He further shared his thoughts on the style of play at Lyon, saying, “I really like it. It reminds me of Palmeiras’ style when I played as a false nine. I enjoy contributing both defensively and offensively. I have a lot of freedom. I want to play in any position; I told the coach that. My goal is to help the team in the best way possible, and I hope to do even more in the future. I believe I accomplished that tonight. My main objective is to win; the goals will come. The team’s success is paramount, and I wish to contribute in every way possible. We aim to win everything.”

While some players might harbor resentment towards coaches who limit their playing time, Endrick was quick to commend Alonso after leaving Madrid. He remarked, “I learned a lot from Xabi in Madrid. He was a top-level player and understands football very well. Although I was sidelined due to injury and couldn’t train with the team, I gained a lot from listening to him. Now, I am learning from Paulo Fonseca in Lyon, who is also meticulous. With an open mind, one can learn every day from great coaches, and that’s precisely what I’m seeking.”

Lyon’s new coach, previously with Bayer Leverkusen, was dismissed shortly after Madrid’s loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. Following Alonso’s departure, Madrid announced that B team coach Alvaro Arbeloa would step in as the new head coach. Rather than expressing bitterness, Alonso took to Instagram to convey his gratitude, stating, “This professional stage concludes, and it has not turned out as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honor and a responsibility. I thank the club, the players, and especially the fans for their trust and support. I depart with respect, gratitude, and pride for having given my best.”

As Madrid navigates the season without Endrick—who may potentially be recalled in January—the Brazilian is focused on earning a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming World Cup. He acknowledges the importance of his performance at Lyon in achieving this goal, saying, “The Brazilian national team is the most significant in the world. No one has a guaranteed position. I aspire to play for Brazil again, but that depends on my current contributions at Lyon. In my first game, I achieved my objective: to qualify for the Cup. Scoring my first goal for the club was fantastic, but I aim for more. The more I score, the higher my chances of being called up will be.”