Real Madrid Are Starting To Regret Endrick Loan After Explosive Lyon Form

Endrick’s hat-trick for Olympique Lyonnais against FC Metz was more than just a stunning on-field performance. It marked a seismic moment in the narrative surrounding his career and Real Madrid’s decision to send him on loan.

The 19-year-old Brazilian tormented Metz with clinical finishing and dazzling movement in Lyon’s 5-2 victory, becoming the youngest player in Lyon’s history to score a Ligue 1 hat-trick.  He now sits among a select group of young stars, including Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, who achieved similar feats at an early age in France’s top flight. 

The hat-trick was not a flash in the pan. In his first three matches for Lyon, Endrick has already contributed to five goals and looks to be a constant threat every time he touches the ball. His confidence, pace, and sharp decision-making have electrified Lyon’s attack, prompting widespread admiration from the French media and plenty of buzz around Spain, too. 

Clubs and pundits alike are now debating whether Madrid’s decision to loan him was the right call. Real Madrid signed Endrick from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024 amid huge hype, viewing him as one of football’s brightest young forwards. Expectations were sky-high, but since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu, the teenager has struggled to find consistent minutes in a side packed with attacking talent. 

How Lack Of Minutes At Real Madrid Fueled The Lyon Success

Endrick’s time at Real Madrid has been defined by intermittent opportunities and frustrating spells on the bench. After some initial promise in his first season in Spain, the Brazilian’s minutes dried up dramatically during the 2025-26 campaign. 

A hamstring injury compounded his woes early on, and when he returned, opportunities under then-manager Xabi Alonso were few and far between. At one stage, he played only around 100 minutes across all competitions before his move to France. 

That lack of playing time at one of the world’s biggest clubs became an increasingly contentious talking point. Endrick, with his explosive pace and technical brilliance, looked capable of more than occasional cameo roles. Yet as Real Madrid pushed for silverware in La Liga and the Champions League, rotation was limited, and more experienced forwards consistently kept him out of the team. 

The decision to send him on loan in December 2025 was rooted in a desire to give him regular first-team action and aid his development. Lyon offered a platform where he could play week-in, week-out in a competitive league, while also staying in the spotlight ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Real Madrid secured the loan for a modest fee, with performance incentives built in, and no purchase option attached. 

Ironically, it took moving away from Madrid for Endrick to truly flourish. In Ligue 1, he has found the freedom to express himself, a central role in attack, and a confidence that had been stifled by limited minutes in Spain. The result has been a rapid blossoming into one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards. 

Media And Fan Reaction Across Europe

The reactions to Endrick’s sudden rise at Lyon have been passionate and polarizing. Spanish media outlets are filled with debate about whether Real Madrid made the right call by letting him go on loan. 

Some analysts point out that a player of his quality might have been better served staying and integrating into Madrid’s first-team setup. Learning alongside superstars like Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé. 

Fan forums and social media platforms have been ablaze with contrasting views. Real Madrid supporters are divided; some praise the club’s long-term planning, while others feel frustrated that a generational talent was left on the bench for too long. 

In online polls and comment threads, many fans cite Endrick’s Lyon performances as proof that Madrid under-utilised him. He might have made crucial contributions during a season where goals outside of Mbappé have been in short supply. 

Lyon fans, meanwhile, have embraced Endrick as a transformative figure. The youth and energy he brings have lifted a side sitting in the upper echelons of Ligue 1, reinvigorating their title chase and bolstering their ambitions in European competition. There is even talk in French media about Lyon’s desire to extend his stay beyond the current loan period, a clear indication of how highly he is now valued. 

What This Means For Endrick’s Future And For Real Madrid

Endrick’s breakthrough at Lyon raises big questions about his long-term future and Real Madrid’s plans. Should he return to Madrid at the end of the season, or could his success in France lead to a permanent shift in his career path? 

Right now, the loan agreement does not include an option to buy, and Madrid retains his long-term rights. However, the narrative has clearly shifted. Endrick’s performances have ignited conversations about his role at the highest levels of European football. 

His hat-trick against Metz was not only a personal milestone but a statement of intent: he wants to be counted among the elite. If he continues this trajectory, Madrid might find themselves with a player ready to lead their attack for years to come. Or they may have to decide whether keeping him in a squad that demands instant success is worth the challenge. 

For Real Madrid, this moment is a reminder that talent must be nurtured as well as acquired. Endrick’s rise in France could prove to be one of the most significant stories of the 2025-26 season. Should he keep performing at this level, both the club and its supporters will be forced to reckon with the cost of letting such a gifted young player leave their immediate plans.