Four wins and stunning numbers… a blazing start for Endrick in France
In July 2025, Olympique Lyon were on the brink of administrative relegation to France’s second division due to a severe financial crisis that nearly erased the club’s proud history. The situation forced the club to part ways with several key players, including Cherki and Lacazette, while Mikautadze also departed on the final day of the transfer window.
Months after the storm, Lyon began to regain stability following the appointment of Michele Kang as club president, succeeding John Textor. Financial conditions improved, and a rare opportunity emerged during the winter transfer window: the loan signing of Endrick from Real Madrid, amid his limited playing time with the Spanish giants.
Lyon intensified their efforts to complete the deal, with head coach Paulo Fonseca playing a decisive role by personally contacting the player. A single phone call proved enough to convince the Brazilian talent that Lyon was the ideal place to rediscover his best form. In December, both clubs reached an agreement for Endrick to join on loan until the end of the season, without a purchase option.
The announcement of the deal caused unprecedented buzz in France, generating over 16 million interactions on social media and significantly boosting the club’s popularity. Endrick wasted no time making his mark, scoring within his first 45 minutes for Lyon during his debut against Lille on January 11, contributing to a crucial away victory.
Since his arrival, Lyon have recorded four consecutive wins without defeat, with Endrick playing a decisive role in each match. He continued his impressive form in Ligue 1 by providing an assist in his first league appearance, before shining even brighter by scoring the first hat-trick of his career against Metz, becoming the youngest Brazilian to do so and the youngest player in Lyon’s history to score three goals in a single match.
Endrick’s numbers highlight his immediate impact: four goals and one assist in just four matches, making him the most prolific debut scorer in the club’s history. His influence extended beyond the pitch, with a sharp rise in shirt sales, packed training sessions, and a notable increase in Lyon’s match viewership in Brazil.
Despite opponents’ attempts to contain him, as seen in the recent clash against Lille, Endrick continues to fight until the final whistle. With no purchase option included in the loan deal, a return to Real Madrid next summer appears the most likely scenario, although the player hinted that his future remains “in God’s hands.”
With Endrick leading the charge, Olympique Lyon dream of ending a 14-year trophy drought, especially as they top their Europa League group and continue their journey in the Coupe de France. A young star has revived a historic club… and made the impossible seem within reach.
