Endrick received limited playing time and starting opportunities at Real Madrid after his €47.5m move to the Spanish side in 2024.
Despite some strong performances, he was unable to secure consistent minutes at Real Madrid due to the club’s depth of attacking options, so he joined Olympique Lyonnais on a straight loan this January.
In six games with the French side, he has scored five goals, got one assist, and won Ligue 1 Player of the Month in his first month in the league.
In this Endrick scout report, we will examine how Endrick fits into Lyon’s tactics, what he looks like in attack, how he is creating a threat up front for Lyon, and whether another loan spell is needed in his career before a potential return to Madrid.
Endrick Shot Selection
Endrick’s shot selection has always been interesting; at times, it feels impulsive and rushed.
There are many moments when he takes long-range shots from outside the penalty area because he has a bullet of a shot, but it is not always a positive part of his game.
For example, in the examples above and below, we see him dribbling forward and taking a long-range shot, even though there are many better options than going for the goal.
It may work here and there, but it is not a good habit for Endrick to keep, and he did the same at Real Madrid.
When he gets a clean strike, it is very dangerous; however, as shown below.
He left the keeper no chance; it is no surprise he has got a rocket, but it is about making the right decision and not wasting the ball.
— Footie Clips (@FootieClips) February 15, 2026
Endrick Positioning In Attack
He is not playing the No. 9 role as he did with Real Madrid or at Palmeiras.
He is taking on a more right-wing role, and his acceleration and speed are benefiting him.
He is consistently making runs in behind from the width, and his teammates are looking for that through ball.
Endrick has had a few of his goals come from runs in behind from this angle, shown below.
His right-wing role is more than just where he is in attack; he is also there to help Lyon move upfield from the backline.
He is touching the sideline, looking to be an option in midfield at times, coming in to help the progression.
When he receives the ball on the touchlines, there are two options.
One is playing it simple and returning the ball to the defender to continue the build-up.
The other option, which is what Lyon are primarily looking for from Endrick on the touchline, is beating his man and getting in behind.
That triangle space behind the defender in the image below is where Endrick is looking to be after beating his man, where he can then drag another defender towards him.
This scenario creates more space for Lyon midfielders to progress forward, which we will take a look at later.
Endrick Link-Up Play
Although he is being played more out wide this season, Endrick has the freedom to come drop into the 10 and roam near the 9 position because of his playmaking and his ability to penetrate through the middle.
When he has the ball in these situations, his Lyon teammates know he can play a great pass forward; the number one priority is to make runs in behind.
For as strong as Endrick’s shot is, his pass is just as strong and fast.
He has the freedom to come up and down the touchline as much as he wants.
He is playing a significant role in Lyon’s build-up, and this is the most involved he’s been in build-up play in his career, receiving direct passes from the defender and vice versa.
The ultimate goal will always be to make a dribble for the space in behind, but he is much more involved in the team’s transition than he ever has been.
He is a very quick dribbler, and his speed from 0 to 100 is uncatchable for a defender.
When he sees opportunities to drop in, receive the ball, turn, and go, he takes them.
He never shies away from the ball, and this Lyon side is helping him develop his technical ability all over the pitch.
— Footie Clips (@FootieClips) February 15, 2026
Endrick Chance Creation
Endrick, like many hungry attackers, can be a bit selfish on the ball.
When he is not, he has great playmaking abilities, and he contributes to Lyon’s attacking threat very much.
He knows where his teammates are looking to run into, and if he is not looking to dribble forward, he can play a threatening pass.
Just like his shot, his passes are very smooth and quick.
It is clear that Lyon are letting him drift into many attacking spaces, even through midfield, so he can get the ball at his feet and look for those passes in behind that he can deliver.
— Footie Clips (@FootieClips) February 15, 2026
Endrick Dribbling
What is encouraging to see in Endrick’s dribbling is that he has not lost his Brazilian flair.
He is still showing off a joyous and fun style of play.
The problem you constantly see in Endrick’s dribbling duels is that he often holds the ball just a second or two too much.
He makes a nice play forward, but he stutters; he cannot slow down and control the battle in the duel.
He takes a few touches too much and loses it.
— Footie Clips (@FootieClips) February 15, 2026
You can see it again in this clip below.
He does an excellent job of shielding the ball and keeping it close to him, the defender is struggling to take it off him, but Endrick cannot change his pace and direction, it is just straight forward no slowing down and the ball is taken off him.
Something he surely needs to work on in his dribbling is being a stop-motion dribbler.
Right now, he fits the profile of a dynamic dribbler, which is a battle of instincts and speed.
Stop motion engages the duel by waiting for the opponent and using more calculated movements.
— Footie Clips (@FootieClips) February 15, 2026
Back To Real Madrid Or A New Loan Spell?
Heading back to Real Madrid would be a mistake in my opinion.
There are just too many world-class attackers, and he would not get consistent minutes again.
Right now, he is playing great football at Lyon with a lot of freedom, even in positions he typically does not play, helping build up and getting more touches in link-up play.
Lyon have a relatively young team, with an average age of 25 across the squad, and are currently third in Ligue 1.
The team has potential with a young core, and Endrick could be at the helm.
I think another year’s loan at Lyon would be beneficial for his career, and they could extend it for the next season as well.
By then, Real Madrid will have fixed their managerial and tactical mess-up, and Endrick could slot into a side that knows its identity.
Conclusion
Endrick has Ballon d’Or potential, and the football world knows it.
A club like Lyon will not be a long-term destination even if he were to stay another year there on loan, but right now, it is unclear what Real Madrid wants to do.
He has found his footing and has had an immediate impact in France, but he still needs consistent minutes to become the main man at a club.
I do not view Real Madrid as that club with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo; there are too many players in that squad who want to fight for the Ballon d’Or.
Right now, he needs to improve his skill set, as he is still 19, which means consistent minutes and not competing against superstars on the same team for game time.
One thing is for certain: he will be the main man for Brazil in attack if he can translate his Lyon performances into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
