Endrick Says “Christmas Has Come Early” as Real Madrid Outcast Seals Loan Move to Lyon

In a surprising but exciting turn of events, Brazilian talent Endrick has sealed a loan move from Real Madrid to Ligue 1 side Lyon for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The 19-year-old, who had struggled for regular game time at the Santiago Bernabeu under manager Xabi Alonso, is eager to kickstart his career with more playing minutes in France. The transfer marks a fresh start for the young forward, who expressed his joy at the move, proclaiming, “Christmas has come early.”

Endrick’s Loan Move to Lyon Confirmed

Lyon officially confirmed the deal with a social media video, capturing the teenager’s excitement as he admired Christmas trees and explored the club’s shop, trying on his new No. 9 shirt. This move comes as no surprise, given Endrick’s limited appearances at Real Madrid this season — just four matches across all competitions. With a desire to grow and develop his game, he’ll now look to seize the opportunity in France.

The loan deal does not include a purchase option, meaning Endrick will return to Madrid at the end of the season, unless further decisions are made. However, for now, his focus is squarely on making an impact at Lyon and earning regular first-team action.

When Will Endrick Make His Lyon Debut?

Endrick is set to join Lyon’s squad on December 29, but fans eager to see him in action may need to wait a bit longer. According to The Athletic, due to French registration regulations, Endrick will not be available for Lyon’s upcoming Ligue 1 match against Monaco on January 3. Players must wait four days after their transfer deal is completed before being registered, and since the deal won’t be officially confirmed until January 1, Endrick will miss that game.

However, he will likely make his debut shortly after, and the move is expected to give him the game time he needs to continue his development and adapt to top-flight European football.

Endrick’s First Message to Lyon Fans

Shortly after his transfer was confirmed, Endrick took to social media to share his excitement with Lyon supporters. The young forward posted a simple but effective message on Instagram: “Allez, les Gones,” a popular rallying cry for Lyon fans. His message signals the beginning of his journey with the club, and the optimism surrounding his arrival is palpable.

Advice from Mariano Diaz

Endrick’s decision to leave Real Madrid on loan follows advice from former Madrid striker Mariano Diaz, who also spent time at Lyon on loan. Diaz, who knows the challenges of adapting to a new environment, shared his thoughts with The Athletic, encouraging Endrick to make the most of his opportunity at Lyon.

He said, “If Endrick ends up leaving, or a player who isn’t getting much playing time has to go abroad to play, I would tell him to enjoy it a lot. If he’s going to be a starter on the team, that’s the best thing that can happen to him. You have to prove yourself when they give you that confidence. It’s not the same when you play a few minutes every three games. You can’t prove your worth in just a few minutes. But if they trust you and you’re a starter, that’s when you can show what you’re really capable of.”

Diaz’s words emphasize the importance of taking full advantage of a starting role, something Endrick will be hoping to earn in Lyon.

What’s Next for Endrick?

The next few months in Lyon could be crucial for Endrick’s future, both with the French club and with Real Madrid. If he performs well in Ligue 1, it could open doors for him to return to Madrid as a more developed player ready for a more prominent role. Alternatively, his successful stint in France could lead to a more permanent transfer if Lyon is impressed by his progress.

For now, though, Endrick’s focus is squarely on proving himself at Lyon and continuing to grow as a player in one of Europe’s top leagues.