Lyon Coach Blasts Real Madrid Loanee Endrick After Disappointing Display

Lyon Coach Blasts Real Madrid Loanee Endrick After Disappointing Display

Real Madrid loanee Endrick has drawn criticism for his recent performances from Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca.

The 19-year-old attacker joined the Ligue 1 club on a six-month loan deal during the January transfer window to gain more first-team exposure and consistent playing time.

Endrick began his time in France on a high note, netting on his debut in a 2–1 away victory against Lille in the Coupe de France. He then backed that up with a hat-trick in a 5–2 league triumph over Metz, but his performances have since declined.

That hat-trick at the end of January remains his only league goals across 10 appearances—though he has contributed four assists, while Lyon have endured a miserable nine-game winless streak across all competitions.

Fonseca Demands More From Endrick During Difficult Spell

Endrick

Endrick has become a focal point of criticism amid the club's poor results, with Fonseca openly stating he is dissatisfied with the young striker's output.

He told the media, via MARCA: "I'm not happy with Endrick's performance. He was tired after the trip to Brazil, but he has a responsibility to do more. We need him."

He continued: "Endrick needs to give more and be more available."

As noted by Fonseca, Endrick was called up to the Brazil national team during the international break, making a substitute appearance in the side's 3–1 friendly victory over Croatia played in Florida.

Lyon's recent struggles have left them sitting sixth in Ligue 1, and they have also been eliminated from both the Europa League round of 16 by Celta Vigo and the Coupe de France by Lens.

What Does the Future Hold for Endrick at Real Madrid?

Endrick

Endrick's high-profile transfer generated enormous excitement at Real Madrid, and he was celebrated as one of the club's brightest prospects for the future when he arrived in 2024 following his 18th birthday.

The young forward drew comparisons to Vinícius Jr, and—perhaps adding unnecessary pressure—was also likened to Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Pelé.

He went on to become the youngest foreign player to score for Real Madrid when he found the net on his debut in a 3–0 home win against Real Valladolid in La Liga, before shortly after becoming the club's youngest-ever Champions League scorer. However, his progress soon plateaued.

The Brazilian international managed just one La Liga goal throughout the 2024–25 season, and seven across all competitions, with injury problems further restricting his appearances toward the end of the campaign.

Clearly not a priority for Xabi Alonso at the start of the 2025–26 season, Endrick was sent out on loan in January for a fee of €1 million ($1.2 million), plus half of his salary.

Could a Nico Paz-Type Arrangement Be the Answer?

Nico Paz

He remains tied to Madrid on a contract running until 2030 and is still regarded by many as a potential future key player, though whether he can secure regular minutes in the near term is uncertain.

Notably, Endrick has frequently been deployed on the right wing for Lyon during his loan—a position that could open up more opportunities for him at the Bernabéu, given that the central forward role is firmly occupied by Kylian Mbappé.

Speculation has also emerged that Madrid may consider selling Endrick this summer while including a buyback clause in any agreement, similar to the approach previously taken with talented youngsters such as Nico Paz at Como.

The 21-year-old Argentine international moved to the Serie A outfit in 2024, with Madrid retaining the option to re-sign him this summer for a reported fee of under €10 million ($11.7 million).

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