French press deliver verdict on Endrick after Lyon debut

January 13, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lyon’s French Cup tie with Lille arrived at a moment when both club and player were searching for direction. By full time, each had found some.

A 2-1 win sent Lyon into the last 16 and offered an early answer as to why Endrick was brought in on loan from Real Madrid in late December. Introduced after missing an early January fixture against Monaco, the 19-year-old marked his debut with the winning goal, supplying the type of penalty-area presence Lyon had often lacked this season.

The move to France followed a period of reduced involvement in Spain. Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024 after turning 18 and made 37 appearances last season, including 22 in La Liga. That exposure dropped sharply this term.

Following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure, Endrick featured only three times across all competitions under Xabi Alonso. Speaking earlier this month, Alonso said the forward required consistent minutes as he continued adapting to the pace and physical demands of European football.

Those opportunities appear more attainable in Lyon’s current setup. Operating with fluid movement across the front line, Endrick was deployed centrally but encouraged to drift, a role that placed him in the right area when Corentin Tolisso flicked on a cross from the left. Endrick arrived unmarked at the back post and finished from close range to decide the tie.

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French daily L’Equipe described him as Lyon’s “main threat,” calling his debut performance “surprising” and “impactful.” The paper highlighted his direct running and intensity, while noting that his decision-making remains a work in progress.

Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca focused on similar qualities when assessing the debut, pointing to Endrick’s ability to create separation in tight spaces and accelerate attacks. He said the Brazilian’s individual initiative adds a dimension that Lyon had previously struggled to generate consistently.

Endrick, speaking to beIN Sports, framed the night as an important step after a challenging few months away from regular football.

“I’m very happy, it was a difficult match and I thank God for being able to return to the pitch, for the opportunities, for the goal, and for the smiles,” he said, adding that his first weeks at the club had exceeded expectations.

He also pointed to familiarity in Lyon’s approach, explaining that the tactical freedom offered to him mirrors aspects of his time at Palmeiras and allows him to contribute both in buildup and inside the penalty area.

For Lyon, the victory keeps their cup campaign alive. For Endrick, it offers something more immediate: confirmation that this loan move provides a platform to rebuild rhythm at a crucial stage of his development.

Sources: L’Equipe, beIN Sports