Endrick Sparks Lyon Revival After Financial Uncertainty
Lyon entered the season under a cloud of uncertainty, narrowly avoiding administrative relegation to Ligue 2 just weeks before the campaign began. Forced to meet strict financial requirements, the club sold key assets, leaving expectations of another European qualification campaign in doubt.
Working within those limitations, sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean adopted a flexible recruitment strategy, targeting emerging talent from less prominent leagues. Signings such as Pavel Sulc, Ruben Kluivert and loanee Adam Karabec reflected that approach.
January gamble pays off
Lyon deliberately began the season without a recognised first-choice striker, opting to wait for the winter window rather than rush a decision. That patience proved decisive when Endrick, having struggled for minutes at Real Madrid, became available.
The 19-year-old Brazilian joined on loan until the end of the season, immediately filling a long-standing void in attack.
Instant impact
Endrick scored on his debut against Lille in the French Cup and followed it with four goals in his next five appearances. A hat-trick against Metz made him the youngest player in Lyon’s history to achieve the feat in Ligue 1.
Since his arrival, no Lyon player has matched his goal involvement, shots on target or successful dribbles.
Continuing a Brazilian tradition
Endrick’s rise aligns with Lyon’s rich history of Brazilian stars, including Juninho Pernambucano, Cris and Sonny Anderson. He also revealed that Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães encouraged the move, describing Lyon as an ideal environment for growth.
With a World Cup approaching, regular football was key to his decision, as he looks to strengthen his case for Brazil selection.
On and off the pitch influence
While his red card against Nantes served as a reminder of his youth, Endrick’s overall impact has been transformative. Beyond his performances, his arrival has boosted Lyon commercially, with record engagement across the club’s social platforms.
With Lyon back in contention domestically and in Europe, Endrick’s move is quickly proving to be one of the season’s defining decisions.