Endrick Joins Lyon on Loan from Real Madrid

Lyon has officially confirmed the loan transfer of Brazilian footballer Endrick from Real Madrid, with no purchase option included in the agreement.

The Ligue 1 club revealed the transfer through a social media video featuring Endrick exploring Christmas trees and visiting the club shop to try on his new No. 9 jersey. “Christmas has come early,” exclaimed the 19-year-old Brazilian following the successful loan transfer.

Having made only four appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid this season, Endrick is eager to showcase his abilities after finalizing his move. He is set to join the Lyon squad on December 29; however, he may need to wait for his debut. As reported by The Athletic, Endrick will be ineligible for Lyon’s upcoming Ligue 1 match against Monaco on January 3 due to French registration regulations. Players must wait four days after a deal is completed to be officially registered, and the transfer cannot be confirmed until January 1.

Following the announcement, Endrick shared his excitement on social media, posting “Allez, les Gones” on Instagram, a phrase that requires little translation.

Former Real Madrid player Mariano Diaz has offered advice to Endrick regarding his career, emphasizing the importance of proving himself in a starting role. He stated, “If Endrick ends up leaving, or if a player who isn’t getting much playing time goes abroad to play, I would advise him to embrace the opportunity and appreciate it. If he becomes a starter, that’s the best situation for him to prove his worth, unlike playing limited minutes. If they trust you and you’re a starter, that’s when you can showcase your abilities. In this case, if he leaves, he could always return to Madrid.”

Endrick’s arrival at Real Madrid last season was met with considerable excitement, as he was regarded as one of Brazil’s most promising talents. He made 22 appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s team during his debut campaign but has faced challenges in the current 2024-2025 season, struggling to earn playing time under Coach Xabi Alonso. His move to Lyon is a strategic decision aimed at securing more minutes on the field and improving his chances of being selected for Brazil’s World Cup squad in 2026.

Ancelotti has acknowledged the necessity for Endrick to play regularly to be considered for the national team. In an interview with Placar in November, he remarked, “Yes, I spoke with him at the beginning of this season. He was injured but is now back and must discuss the best course of action with his entourage and the club. Endrick is very young; this won’t be his last World Cup. He could play in 2026, 2030, or even 2034. It’s crucial for him to return to regular play and demonstrate his capabilities.”

Endrick is now looking forward to making his debut with Lyon shortly. After the match against Monaco, Lyon will compete in the French Cup against Lille on January 11, followed by another Ligue 1 encounter with Brest. Additionally, Endrick aims to participate in this season’s Europa League, where Lyon currently tops the standings, with group phase matches remaining against Young Boys and PAOK.