Endrick officially announced his departure from the club on Tuesday night. In a video posted on his X account, the 19-year-old Brazilian forward confirmed his return to Real Madrid in Spain after six memorable months wearing the Lyon jersey.
Arriving in Lyon just before Christmas on a paid loan without a purchase option, Endrick was coming from a difficult situation at Real Madrid. Having only played eleven minutes in the first half of the season with the Spanish club, the Brazilian chose OL to regain rhythm and confidence.
The bet paid off for all parties involved. In just a few months, the forward regained his efficiency and offensive impact, scoring five goals in the league, including a remarkable hat-trick against Metz at the end of January and a goal in the prestigious win against PSG at Parc des Princes on April 19. With seven assists as well, he emerged as one of the main contributors to Lyon’s remarkable climb up the standings.
In an interview with AFP shortly after his arrival, Endrick had already described OL as the “ideal club” to revive his career. This sentiment was echoed in his farewell video posted on Tuesday night, simply titled “Thank you OL.”
“Unfortunately, even though it’s stronger, a lion cannot stay in the same place. I must now bid farewell and begin a journey back that will be much longer, as I am leaving with much more baggage,” he explained in the video, subtitled in French.
Endrick thanked OL and now sets his sights on the World Cup
Beyond the statistics, Endrick has mainly found peace in Lyon after challenging months in Madrid. In his video, the young Brazilian emphasizes the role played by OL in his sporting and mental reconstruction.
“It is here,” he says, “that I found what I needed to regain strength, to follow my instinct, to attack, like a lion.” He adds, “In Lyon, months of anguish have given way to months of joy, victories, but also learning.”
His performances in Lyon’s colors also convinced Carlo Ancelotti, who called him up this week to compete in the 2026 World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19. A first major international competition in sight for the Brazilian phenomenon, now expected at a Real Madrid shaken by a trophyless season and locker room issues.
