Brazilian forward Endrick has opened up about the pivotal role his former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti played in his decision to secure a loan move to French club Lyon for the remainder of the season. The 19-year-old prodigy, who emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young talents under Ancelotti's tutelage, found himself struggling for minutes after the Italian's departure from the Santiago Bernabéu.
During his official presentation as a Lyon player on Monday, Endrick candidly shared details of his conversation with Ancelotti, who now leads the Brazilian national team. The teenager revealed that his mentor provided clear guidance about his career path during their discussion, advice that ultimately shaped his thinking about the next step in his development.
Ancelotti's Mentorship Extends Beyond Madrid
"Yes, I spoke to Carlo about it. He gave me instructions on what I could do, what I needed to do to improve, and that really touched me," Endrick explained at his unveiling. "His advice was to leave [Real Madrid], to play, to develop my football, to go where I could play, where I could be happy. This decision is mine of course, but Carlo played a part, because he's a great coach."
The heartfelt endorsement from one of football's most respected managers underscores the strong bond between coach and player. Ancelotti's suggestion wasn't merely about finding any club, but about identifying the right environment where Endrick could flourish and gain valuable first-team experience. This level of personal investment from a manager who no longer directly works with the player speaks volumes about Ancelotti's character and his belief in Endrick's potential.
From Breakthrough Star to Benchwarmer
Endrick's rise to prominence last season was meteoric. Under Ancelotti's guidance, he appeared in 37 matches and netted seven goals, showcasing blistering pace and exceptional dribbling skills that made him a fan favorite at the Bernabéu. His performances caught the attention of Brazil's national team selectors, leading to three international goals in 2024 against formidable opponents like England and Spain.
However, the managerial change that brought Xabi Alonso to the Santiago Bernabéu bench dramatically altered Endrick's fortunes. This campaign, the young striker has featured in just three matches for Los Blancos, spending most of his time watching from the sidelines rather than influencing games on the pitch. The tactical shift and different personnel preferences under Alonso meant opportunities became scarce for the teenage forward.
Rather than succumbing to frustration or demanding an immediate exit, Endrick adopted a remarkably mature perspective about his limited involvement. He reframed the situation as an opportunity for personal growth away from the spotlight, demonstrating emotional intelligence rare for someone his age.
Silver Lining in Limited Playing Time
"No, honestly, what I tell my loved ones is that these have been the best months of my career," Endrick stated through a translator. "Because I've had time to be with my wife, to build my house and my life."
This refreshing outlook demonstrates the teenager's mental fortitude and ability to find positives in challenging circumstances. While many young players might grow disillusioned with lack of playing time, Endrick used the period to establish stability in his personal life, recognizing that a footballer's career extends beyond the ninety minutes on match day. This balance between professional ambition and personal wellbeing could prove crucial in preventing burnout and maintaining longevity in the sport.
Lyon: The Perfect Destination
Several factors made Lyon an attractive proposition for Endrick's development. The club currently sits fifth in Ligue 1, just two points adrift of third place, indicating a competitive environment where every match carries significance. This positioning means Endrick will be playing for important objectives immediately, rather than simply going through the motions in mid-table obscurity.
More importantly, the presence of Portuguese head coach Paulo Fonseca proved decisive in the decision-making process. The familiarity with his coaching style gave Endrick confidence about a smooth transition.
"The fact that the technical staff is Portuguese is a very good thing, because I was already coached by a Portuguese coach, Abel Ferreira, at Palmeiras," Endrick noted. "It's good for me, because I know how they operate. It was a plus point."
This familiarity with Portuguese coaching methodologies should ease Endrick's adaptation period significantly. Having worked with Ferreira during his successful spell at Palmeiras, where he scored 21 goals in 82 appearances, the young forward understands the tactical nuances and training approaches commonly employed by Portuguese managers. This cultural and tactical comfort could accelerate his integration into Fonseca's system.
Path to the World Cup
Endrick's loan move also carries significant implications for his international aspirations. With the World Cup approaching later this year, regular playing time has become paramount for his chances of securing a spot in Ancelotti's Brazil squad. The national team manager's advice to seek more minutes suggests he views Endrick as a potential contributor on the global stage, but only if he's match-fit and in form.
The teenager's previous performances for Brazil have already established him as a promising option. His three goals in national team colors, including strikes against European powerhouses England and Spain, demonstrate his ability to perform at the highest level. However, Ancelotti will need to see consistent club form before entrusting him with a World Cup roster spot.
Lyon's Brazilian Heritage
Endrick joins a club with a rich tradition of Brazilian talent that spans decades. Lyon has served as a launching pad for numerous Samba stars who went on to achieve greatness across Europe's top leagues, making it something of a spiritual home for Brazilian players in France.
Recent examples include midfielders Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães, who both honed their skills at Lyon before securing moves to the Premier League with West Ham United and Newcastle United respectively. Their success stories provide a clear template for Endrick to follow, showing how Ligue 1 can serve as a bridge to the English top flight.
The club's Brazilian legacy extends further back, with iconic names like Fred, Nilmar, Giovane Élber, Edmílson, Cris, and Rafael all leaving indelible marks on Lyon's history. Each brought their own flavor of Brazilian flair to the Groupama Stadium, endearing themselves to supporters and establishing a warm relationship between the fanbase and Brazilian players.
However, no discussion of Brazilian players at Lyon would be complete without mentioning Juninho Pernambucano, the midfield maestro who scored 100 goals for the club between 2001 and 2008 and established himself as arguably Europe's finest free-kick specialist during his tenure. Juninho's legendary status at the club created a lasting legacy that still influences how Lyon supporters view Brazilian talent.
A Calculated Career Move
Endrick's decision to join Lyon represents a carefully considered step in his development, balancing multiple factors to create the optimal conditions for growth. Rather than remaining at Real Madrid and risking stagnation, he has chosen a path that prioritizes regular competition and continued development.
The alignment of factors—Ancelotti's blessing, Fonseca's Portuguese coaching philosophy, Lyon's competitive position, and the club's proven track record with Brazilian players—creates an ideal scenario for the teenager. This isn't a desperate escape from Madrid, but rather a strategic relocation designed to accelerate his progress.
The move also reflects modern football's evolving understanding of player development. Elite clubs increasingly recognize that young talents benefit more from consistent playing time at a high level than from sporadic appearances at the absolute pinnacle. Endrick's case exemplifies this trend, as even a club as prestigious as Real Madrid acknowledges that a temporary departure can serve a player's long-term interests.
Looking Ahead
As Endrick embarks on this new chapter in France, expectations will be measured but hopeful. Lyon supporters have seen enough Brazilian magic over the years to know what their new signing might deliver, and they'll be patient as he adapts to Ligue 1's physical and tactical demands.
For Endrick, the immediate goal is simple: play regularly, improve consistently, and enjoy his football again. The teenager's mature approach to his career, willingness to make difficult decisions, and ability to find positives in adversity all suggest he possesses the mental qualities necessary to succeed at the highest level.
With Ancelotti's guidance still influencing his path and a supportive environment awaiting him in Lyon, Endrick has positioned himself perfectly to continue his upward trajectory. The loan spell offers him a chance to prove he can be a reliable starter at a top European club, which could either pave the way for a return to Madrid with a more significant role or open doors to other elite destinations.
Whether this loan spell becomes a stepping stone back to Real Madrid or the beginning of a new long-term journey remains to be seen. What is certain is that Endrick has taken control of his destiny, making a proactive choice to ensure his development doesn't stall. In doing so, he has demonstrated wisdom beyond his years and a clear understanding of what it takes to build a successful career in modern football.
The football world will be watching closely to see how this promising talent responds to the challenge. If his maturity off the pitch translates into performances on it, Endrick could quickly establish himself as one of Ligue 1's most exciting players and secure his place in Brazil's World Cup plans.