Brazilian teenager Endrick is hoping to reignite his club career and strengthen his case for a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad as he prepares for his competitive debut with Olympique Lyonnais against Lille in the French Cup on Sunday.

The 19-year-old forward has joined Lyon on loan from Real Madrid until the end of the season and is eager to prove himself after struggling for consistent playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu under head coach Xabi Alonso.

“Leaving the biggest club in the world, where everyone dreams of playing, would be difficult for anyone — but I’m not leaving for good. It’s just a break,” Endrick told Reuters on Friday. “At Lyon, I’ll finally be able to play a run of matches, and that will benefit Real Madrid as well.

“Lyon’s interest meant a lot to me. They have everything I was looking for — the squad, the fans, the coaching staff and the opportunity to grow.”

Real Madrid paid more than €60 million to sign Endrick from Palmeiras in 2022, when he was widely viewed as a generational talent at just 16. Due to FIFA regulations on underage players, however, he was unable to join the Spanish club until turning 18.

Raised in poverty in the outskirts of Brasília, Endrick helped Palmeiras win a record-extending 12th Brazilian league title and became Brazil’s youngest international since Pelé in 1957. He also made history in March 2024 by becoming the youngest player to score at Wembley, netting the decisive goal in Brazil’s 1–0 win over England that ended the hosts’ 21-match unbeaten run at the stadium.

After officially joining Real Madrid on a six-year contract in July 2024, Endrick scored seven goals in 37 appearances during his debut season under then-coach Carlo Ancelotti, mostly as a substitute. However, a muscle injury early in the 2025–26 campaign and limited opportunities under Alonso stalled his progress, restricting him to two substitute appearances and one start in the Copa del Rey.

The loan move to Lyon was arranged to provide Endrick with regular minutes and a fresh platform to rediscover his rhythm.

“I arrived at 18 and scored on my debut in every competition. A lot happened very quickly,” Endrick said. “I understand that people want me to play more, but things don’t always move that fast — especially after coming back from injury.”

With the World Cup approaching, Endrick revealed that Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti advised him to seek more playing time away from Madrid in an environment where he could feel settled and confident. Alonso offered similar guidance, advice the young forward said he was eager to follow.

“Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso both told me to look for minutes after my injury,” Endrick said. “They’re winners who have experienced everything — titles, defeats, injuries. When people like that speak, you listen.”

Lyon currently sit fifth in Ligue 1 with 30 points, 10 behind leaders Lens and nine adrift of second-placed Paris Saint-Germain. They lead their Europa League group and will travel to Lens on Sunday with a place in the French Cup quarter-finals at stake.