Endrick Ignites Lyon’s Champions League Hopes With Scorching Start

When Endrick arrived at Olympique Lyonnais on a six-month loan from Real Madrid, few could have predicted just how quickly the 19-year-old Brazilian would set Ligue 1 alight. After all, Endrick himself admitted, “It wasn’t a mistake. Life is like that. My life has always been difficult. It’s never been easy,” he told reporters after Lyon’s emphatic 5-2 win over FC Metz. But if his life has been tough, his start in France has been anything but—he’s made the transition look effortless, dazzling fans and critics alike.

Endrick wasted no time making an impact. On his debut in the Coupe de France, he found the net just 42 minutes in, scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Lille OSC. That was only the beginning. In his next outing, he set up fellow Brazilian Abner Vinícius for a crucial goal in a 2-1 win against Stade Brestois. Then came his real statement: a scintillating hat-trick—the first of his burgeoning career—against FC Metz on January 25, 2026. In just three appearances, Endrick has racked up four goals and an assist, instantly becoming the talk of Lyon.

His performance against Metz was nothing short of spectacular. Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, flicking in a cross from captain Corentin Tolisso with his trusty left foot. He doubled his tally in first-half stoppage time after a slick pass from Tyler Morton, showcasing his composure and technical ability as he glided the ball under Metz’s keeper, Jonathan Fischer. Late in the game, Endrick’s nimble footwork won him a penalty, which he coolly converted by sending Fischer the wrong way. He could have had even more, but Fischer denied him with a close-range header save and a low shot stop.

Head coach Paulo Fonseca couldn’t hide his admiration after the Metz match. “He’s a different kind of striker. I’ve said several times that we lacked initiative, depth… Now, with him, we have it. He makes a difference on his own, but he’s also very comfortable within the team. We mustn’t forget that he barely played this season. So he’ll improve physically and continue to progress.” Fonseca’s words ring true—Endrick has injected a new dimension into a Lyon side that previously struggled for goals, especially after the sale of Georges Mikautadze to Villarreal and the underwhelming form of Martín Satriano, who managed only three goals in 19 appearances before departing on loan to Getafe this January.

Lyon’s attack, once criticized as toothless, now boasts variety and verve. Endrick has shown a poacher’s instinct, finesse in the box, and the ability to break defensive lines with pace. Against Metz, he scored with a delicate dink, a burst of speed, and a well-taken penalty, displaying the complete striker’s repertoire. His arrival has not only filled a void but also sparked belief among fans and pundits that Lyon could end their six-year exile from the UEFA Champions League.

The numbers back up the optimism. Lyon sits fourth in the Ligue 1 table, holding a four-point cushion over Lille in fifth as of January 29, 2026. The team’s offensive output has climbed to fifth in the league, with 32 goals scored and a +12 goal differential—fourth best in the division. Defensively, Lyon has conceded just 20 goals, also ranking third. Key contributors have emerged throughout the squad: Pavel Sulc has eight goals and two assists, Afonso Bastardo Moreira has chipped in with two goals and five assists, while Tyler Morton and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have also made their mark.

Lyon’s next test comes soon, as they aim to extend their winning run to nine games in a UEFA Europa League clash against PAOK FC on Thursday, January 29. However, Endrick won’t be available—he’s ineligible for European competition. The absence of Endrick, along with injuries to Nicolas Tagliafico, Orel Mangala, Pavel Sulc, Corentin Tolisso, Malick Fofana, and Ernest Nuamah, leaves coach Fonseca with limited options up front. Academy product Rémi Himbert is set to lead the line, a move Fonseca confirmed in his pre-match press conference. Despite these challenges, Lyon currently tops their Europa League group ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, keeping their European ambitions alive.

Endrick’s loan is short-term, designed to give him valuable game time ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. Yet, his influence could have long-term ramifications for Lyon. If his goals help secure Champions League qualification, the financial windfall and prestige could prove pivotal for a club that only months ago flirted with relegation and continues to grapple with financial constraints.

Elsewhere in Ligue 1, the competition remains fierce. Lille, who face Lyon at Groupama Stadium on February 1, 2026, are reeling from a 4-1 home defeat to Strasbourg, despite outshooting their opponents. Key players for Lille include Felix Correia (three goals, four assists), Hamza Igamane (five goals, one assist), Matias Fernandez, and Romain Perraud. Lille’s 34 goals in 19 matches rank third in the league, but defensively they’ve struggled, conceding 29 goals—tenth in the division.

Strasbourg’s 4-1 win at Lille marked another milestone for coach Gary O’Neil, while Nice’s 4-1 victory over Nantes ended a long winless streak. The Ligue 1 table remains tight, with Marseille sitting just two points ahead of Lyon in third. The race for European places is heating up, and every match carries extra weight as the season enters its final third.

As Lyon prepares for their upcoming fixtures, the spotlight remains firmly on Endrick. His rapid adaptation and eye-catching performances have electrified the club and its supporters. Fonseca and the Lyon faithful will be hoping that the Brazilian’s magic continues to propel them up the table and, perhaps, back into Europe’s elite competition.

For now, Lyon’s resurgence is undeniable, and Endrick’s arrival has been the catalyst. The next few months promise plenty of drama, with the club’s fortunes—and Endrick’s burgeoning reputation—hanging in the balance as the business end of the season approaches.