Citation
Lyon confirm loan of Real Madrid’s Endrick, 19, who lacks game time under Xabi Alonso. After a promising debut season at Madrid, he’s been frozen out this term. Lyon, with a history of nurturing Brazilian talent, is a fitting destination.
From Promising Debut to Madrid Frustration – The Backstory of Endrick’s Loan
Ligue 1 side Lyon have officially confirmed the loan signing of Real Madrid teenager Endrick, a move born from the 19-year-old’s struggle for playing time under new Los Blancos coach Xabi Alonso. After a promising debut season under Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid, where he scored seven goals and made 37 appearances mostly from the bench, Endrick has been largely frozen out this term, featuring just three times across all competitions.
The Brazil international’s Madrid journey began in July 2024, when he joined from Palmeiras aged 18 – 18 months after the initial £52 million deal was struck, making him one of the most expensive teenagers in football history. His fortunes shifted with Alonso’s arrival, though: his sole La Liga appearance this season ended in a red card, and he didn’t earn a start until a Copa del Rey tie against third-tier CF Talavera. He also came off the bench in Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Manchester City earlier this month.
Injuries and international exile have compounded his struggles. A hamstring issue in May ruled him out of the Club World Cup and delayed his start to the current season, while he hasn’t featured for Brazil since a 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina in March. With the 2026 World Cup in the US just six months away, the pressure to regain form and a national team spot has added urgency to his search for regular minutes.
Lyon – The Ideal Landing Spot for Endrick’s Comeback Bid
Lyon’s move for Endrick is a strategic fit for both club and player. The Ligue 1 outfit, currently fifth in the league and top of their Europa League group, have been short of attacking firepower since Georges Mikautadze’s summer move to Villarreal. The loan deal, which runs until the end of the season, will see Lyon cover part of Endrick’s salary with no option to buy included.
Lyon’s history of nurturing Brazilian talent makes it a particularly welcoming environment. The club is synonymous with Brazilian stars like Juninho Pernambucano, and has also developed current Premier League midfielders Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes. Endrick will also have familiar company: full-back Abner Vinicius is Brazilian, while manager Paulo Fonseca brings a wealth of top-flight experience.
The teenager will wear the No. 9 shirt for Lyon, though French regulations mean he’ll miss the club’s January 3 clash with Monaco – players must wait four days after a deal is registered to feature. His earliest opportunity to make his debut will be in the Coupe de France against Lille on January 11, as he looks to use his time in Ligue 1 to rebuild form and force his way back into Brazil’s World Cup plans.
Summary:
Endrick joins Lyon on loan for game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He struggled for minutes at Real under Alonso, with injuries and national team exclusion. Lyon, short of attacking firepower, has a strong record with Brazilian players; he’ll debut in January.
