At the start of the year, Endrick’s hopes of making Brazil’s World Cup squad seemed all but over. The Real Madrid youngster had only logged 99 minutes in the first half of the season, with then-coach Xabi Alonso preferring homegrown forward Gonzalo Garcia. A winter move away from Madrid quickly became inevitable.
Thankfully, Endrick found the ideal destination. Since joining Lyon on loan on January 1, the 19-year-old has reignited the dazzling form that made him one of the planet’s hottest talents at Palmeiras, contributing to six goals in his first seven Ligue 1 appearances.
Suddenly, Endrick looks every bit the €60 million ($71m) player Madrid believed they were signing back in December 2022. This dramatic turnaround has reignited speculation about a call-up to the Brazil squad, with the March international break approaching.
Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti witnessed Endrick’s talent firsthand during his final year at Madrid and personally advised him to leave the Bernabeu to improve his World Cup prospects. Now, Endrick is firmly back in Ancelotti’s considerations—a significant achievement in itself.
However, securing a spot on Brazil’s 2026 squad remains a steep challenge. Despite his impressive performances for Lyon, signs of immaturity persist. With Brazil boasting extraordinary attacking depth, Endrick will need near-perfect displays to stand out.
Challenging Start
Although Endrick struggled to meet lofty expectations at Madrid, he wasn’t a complete failure. He scored on his La Liga and Champions League debuts and became the first Real player since Cristiano Ronaldo to net five goals in a single Copa del Rey campaign, finishing as joint-top scorer.
Yet, he was limited to a nine-minute cameo in Real’s Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona. Ancelotti overlooked him in crucial fixtures, giving him just 35 minutes across the Champions League knockout rounds.
As early as September, Ancelotti defended Endrick’s limited minutes: “Yes, I may be unfair because he trains well. But ahead of him are Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Mbappe… he needs patience.”
By February, Ancelotti recognized Endrick’s quality but highlighted an area for improvement: “He’s quick, powerful, accurate, and although he must handle the ball better, his release and finishing are spectacular. He’s very young but a fast learner.”
Endrick’s tendency to hold onto the ball too long disrupted Madrid’s flow. Ancelotti resisted external pressure regarding his development, keeping faith in the former Palmeiras prodigy despite limited playing time.
“He’s motivated, working hard, and I’m pleased with him,” Ancelotti said in April. “At Real Madrid, sometimes you need to endure bench time.”
Completely Shut Out
Ancelotti’s departure in May was a setback for Endrick. Xabi Alonso succeeded him, but a serious hamstring injury in late May ruled Endrick out of the Club World Cup, dashing hopes of making an immediate impression.
Academy graduate Garcia earned a share of the Golden Boot and a senior squad promotion. By the time Endrick regained fitness in September, he had dropped to fifth in the attacking hierarchy.
Reports indicate that when Alonso chose Garcia over him for a La Liga match on October 19, Endrick’s team pushed for a loan move. Alonso’s decision to bench him again in a Champions League win against Juventus suggested little would change.
Confusion over Endrick’s treatment reportedly contributed to Alonso’s dismissal in January, with officials concerned about the player’s development and open to a temporary transfer.
‘Right at Home’
Once Lyon approached, Endrick was focused. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of fellow Brazilians Juninho Pernambucano, Edmilson, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lucas Paqueta. Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca’s presence was an added incentive.
“The Portuguese coaching staff is familiar territory, as I worked with Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras,” Endrick said. “It helps me understand how they operate. It was a plus.”
Remarkably, Endrick bore no grudges toward Alonso. “These months have been among the best of my life. I’ve had time for my wife, home, and life,” he said.
Endrick made an immediate impact at Lyon. Thrust into the Coupe de France round-of-32 tie against Lille, he scored the winning goal with a calm half-volley, completing six shots and dominating the Lille defense.
“I’m happy to be back on the pitch and smiling,” he told beIN Sports. “I feel at home, I speak Spanish and English, and I know the team well.”
Benzema Comparisons
Endrick also impressed in Ligue 1 against Brest, providing his first assist, completing eight dribbles, and helping Lyon to a 2-1 victory. The following week at Metz, he scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win, becoming Lyon’s youngest player to net three goals in one match and breaking a 54-year-old record.
He continued his form in the Coupe de France last-16 against Stade Lavallois, scoring a sensational goal that secured a 2-0 win and Lyon’s path to a first major trophy since 2012. Comparisons to Karim Benzema followed.
“I see the same traits in Endrick as I did in Benzema: he can beat defenders one-on-one and make an impact in the box,” former defender Cris told Telefoot.
Back Down to Earth
Endrick won Ligue 1 Player of the Month for January and earned three Player of the Match awards in seven appearances. However, he faced a reality check after being sent off in a 1-0 win at Nantes, a suspension later reduced on appeal.
Fonseca emphasized learning from setbacks: “Endrick needs to understand he now has the full attention of everyone involved.”
Upon returning from suspension at Strasbourg, Endrick struggled in a 3-1 defeat, receiving harsh criticism from former France manager Raymond Domenech, who said, “He was useless and offered no solutions.”
Selection Headache
Endrick remains a potential match-winner with explosive power, close control, and a lethal left foot. Madrid retained him in their plans by refusing a purchase option for Lyon.
Yet, his decision-making remains a concern. He often prefers solo runs over passing, which may affect his chances for Brazil, where only 26 players will be selected.
Lyon has used him as a right winger, but in the Selecao, he faces competition from Raphinha, Rodrygo, and Estevao Willian. His realistic path is the No.9 role, where he excelled at Palmeiras.
Endrick hasn’t played for Brazil since March last year. Ancelotti has options like Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, Joao Pedro, Vitor Roque, Igor Jesus, Kaio George, and Gabriel Jesus. Only a few will make the squad, and one call may soon go to Endrick.
The good news: he still has time. Lyon could play up to 21 more games if they reach Coupe de France and Europa League finals. Fonseca said, “Everyone knows he wants to be in the Brazil team and understands the importance of performing. I’m helping him stay balanced, humble, and responsible.”
If Endrick applies these lessons, ignoring him may become impossible for Ancelotti.
