Endrick’s reset: how a step back turned him into one of the game’s fastest‑rising stars

Sometimes you have to take a step back to leap forward — or in Endrick’s case, five steps.

The Brazilian phenom, born in 2006 in Taguatinga, left Real Madrid in search of himself. With minutes scarce at the Bernabéu, Lyon opened its doors, and he’s become the face of an entire city. He’s different now. Unavoidable. The striker he was always projected to be back when he burst onto the scene at Palmeiras. Brazil — and the rest of the world — is finally bowing to him.

Earning a place with Brazil

“I feel as good as I possibly can,” Endrick tells AS from Brazil’s training camp in Orlando. “I’ve already lived the joy of scoring for the national team, but every call‑up feels like the first. This one is special because it’s a World Cup year.”

Still, he knows this is only the beginning. “I have to earn my place. Pay attention to every training session, every plan, every idea from the coach. There are a lot of top players here. This call‑up is an opportunity, not a guarantee.”

A lot has changed since the last time he wore the yellow and green. Back then, he was still at Palmeiras, preparing for his move to Madrid after a forgettable Copa América. The bitterness of that tournament gave way to admiration for Carlo Ancelotti, his mentor during his first season in Spain. “I learned so much from him. I scored in every competition we played. With the national team it’s different — we don’t have the daily routine — but I’m sure we’ll do something great together again.”

Despite Brazil’s recent struggles, he insists the Seleção remain contenders among contenders. “Brazil is never a surprise on the favorites list. The surprise would be a World Cup without Brazil in the final stages. It’s always been hard to win, and it won’t be any easier now. But Brazil is going for the title. We can’t think any other way.”

A veteran at 19

Endrick is about to turn 20, yet he already speaks like a seasoned pro. “I’m more mature now. I’ve learned so much in Madrid and here in France. I’ve played with guys from different countries, different styles. I’ve learned how to approach different types of matches.”

But he’s not done growing. “I still have a lot to develop, but I’m learning every week.”

“In Brazil, we can’t think about anything other than winning the World Cup.”

Endrick

France has been the perfect incubator for his evolution. The formula behind his breakout? Work, work, and more work. “The key is preparation. Recovery. Focus. If you train well, you usually play well. If you give everything in training, you won’t feel bad giving everything in matches.”

Eyes on Lyon — and Madrid

His present is in France, but his future still runs through Madrid. “Real Madrid keeps close track of all its players on loan. I don’t worry about that. My job is to give my best here.”

His first months in Spain were rocky — expectations outpaced the time he needed to grow. “It’s the most successful club in the world. It’s hard for everyone. Hard for young players, hard for veterans. Fans get impatient because they want to see new signings right away, but that’s not always possible.”

He left with Xabi Alonso on the bench and will return with Álvaro Arbeloa’s future still uncertain. “We haven’t spoken yet. I’m focused on Lyon. I’ll support Madrid in the Champions League, but my mind is here.”

He repeats it like a mantra: focus on the next opponent. “My future is next week. The next rival. If I prepare well every week, I’ll have good months, and good months become good seasons. Right now I have to think about Celta and our position in the table. Nothing else.”

Lyon’s new hero

Lyon quietly won the race for his signature. The deal simmered under the radar until it couldn’t be hidden anymore. Several factors pushed him toward France — even over Premier League interest — but one mattered most: trust.

“Matthieu, the director, and Paulo talked to me a lot before I made my decision. They gave me confidence. The way the team played mattered too, and the competitions — Ligue 1, the Europa League. I knew I’d have opportunities, but also big demands.”

Fonseca has used him both as a No. 9 and as a winger, depending on the matchup. Endrick doesn’t care where he plays — only that he plays. “I don’t have a preference. I just want to finish the match with three points. Sometimes I’m out wide, sometimes inside. Wherever I am, I try to give my best,” he says with a laugh.

His adaptation was instant. No adjustment period, no hesitation. Why? Because France and Spain aren’t as different as people think. “People say Ligue 1 is all physical and less technical, but that’s not true. The intensity is high, but all big leagues demand that now. The technique here is top level. Just look at France’s national team — they’re favorites in every tournament.”

Lyon has long been a gateway for Brazilian talent — Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paquetá being the latest examples. Endrick knew the history well. “I talked to a lot of Brazilians before coming. I researched the club. But the conversations with Matthieu and Paulo were the most important. They showed me that the success story of Brazilians here could repeat itself.”

And now he’s writing the next chapter.

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