Endrick is no longer just a prospect; he is a man on a mission. Since swapping the Santiago Bernabéu for the Groupama Stadium in late December, the 19-year-old striker has transformed into the most clinical finisher in Ligue 1, sending a clear message to Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The move to Lyon has proven to be a masterstroke. After a frustrating period at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, where playing time was scarce, Endrick is finally showing the world why he was dubbed the “prodigy of a generation.”
The “TNT Sports” Analysis: “Making Time Pass Slowly”
Journalist Arthur Quezada, international correspondent for TNT Sports, highlighted the shift in Endrick’s career trajectory.
“Endrick was racing against the clock to make the World Cup squad,” Quezada noted. “But with these performances, he’s making time pass slowly. Every minute on the field is now a demand for a call-up. It’s becoming impossible to ignore him.”
“Unstoppable”: The International Press Reacts
Endrick’s latest masterclass came in Lyon’s 2-0 Coupe de France victory over Laval. His goal a spectacular, high-velocity strike earned him rave reviews across Europe:
- AS (Spain): Labeled his performance as “brutal” and “unstoppable.”
- Marca & Mundo Deportivo: Praised his technical precision and ability to decide matches for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
The Stats: Real Madrid vs. Lyon
The numbers highlight a staggering transformation in efficiency and confidence:
| Season/Club | Appearances | Goals | Context |
| Real Madrid (24/25) | 37 | 7 | Only 8 starts under Ancelotti |
| Real Madrid (25/26) | 3 | 0 | Sidelined by Xabi Alonso |
| Lyon (Jan/Feb 2026) | 5 | 5 | 1 assist & 1 Hat-trick vs Metz |
The Road to 2026
With five goals in his first five games for Lyon, Endrick has already surpassed the expectations of the French media. For the Brazilian National Team, the timing couldn’t be better. As Ancelotti prepares his final 26-man list for the World Cup in North America, Endrick has evolved from a “doubt” to a “certainty.”
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
