Endrick’s Hat-Trick Ignites Lyon In Thrilling Ligue 1 Clash

There’s a new sensation lighting up Ligue 1, and his name is Endrick. The 19-year-old Brazilian striker, on loan from Real Madrid, has wasted no time making an explosive impact at Olympique Lyonnais. Sunday’s 5-2 away victory over FC Metz wasn’t just another three points for Lyon—it was the stage for Endrick’s coming-out party, as he fired in a hat-trick and firmly announced himself to French football fans.

Let’s rewind to the 14th minute at Stade Saint-Symphorien. Lyon had started brightly, but it was Endrick who truly set the tone. Ghosting into space on the right edge of the six-yard box, he latched onto a clever pass from Corentin Tolisso and calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner. The movement was sharp, the finish ruthless—already, Metz defenders looked rattled.

But Endrick wasn’t done. Before halftime, he doubled Lyon’s advantage with a clinical strike on the counterattack. Tyler Morton, orchestrating from midfield, picked out Endrick’s run, and the Brazilian didn’t hesitate. Another left-footed finish, low and precise, found the back of the net. Two goals before the break—was this really just his third match in France?

The answer was a resounding yes, and Endrick’s star continued to rise in the second half. After drawing a foul inside the box, he stepped up to the penalty spot and coolly converted, completing his hat-trick. Three goals, all with his left foot, each one showcasing a different facet of his attacking game—poacher’s instinct, counter-attacking speed, and nerves of steel from 12 yards.

It’s not just the goals that have fans and pundits buzzing. Endrick’s underlying numbers against Metz were eye-popping: six shots, all on target, and three completed dribbles—the most of any player on the pitch. He was a constant menace, stretching Metz’s back line with direct runs, sharp ball control, and a level of composure rarely seen in teenagers. Manager Pierre Sage waited until the 91st minute to substitute him for Adil Hamdani, a clear sign of just how crucial Endrick had become in such a short time.

This hat-trick performance is just the latest chapter in a remarkable start to Endrick’s Lyon adventure. He kicked things off with a debut goal in a 2-1 win over Lille, then supplied an assist in another 2-1 victory against Brest. Now, after three matches, his tally stands at four goals and one assist—five goal contributions in just three games. According to club officials, he’s already played more minutes for Lyon than he managed at Real Madrid earlier this season. It’s safe to say he’s making the most of his opportunity.

Unfortunately for Lyon, Endrick’s dazzling displays come with a bittersweet twist. The loan deal from Real Madrid does not include a purchase option, meaning the Brazilian prodigy will return to Spain at the end of the 2025-2026 campaign. Still, if these opening weeks are any indication, his brief spell in France could leave a lasting legacy.

Lyon’s resurgence in Ligue 1 owes much to Endrick’s arrival. Sunday’s emphatic win keeps them firmly in the hunt near the top of the table, sitting fourth with 36 points. They trail perennial powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (45 points), Lens (43), and Olympique de Marseille (38), but with performances like this, Lyon’s ambitions are only growing. The team’s attacking ceiling seems to rise with every match Endrick plays.

“He’s brought energy, confidence, and a clinical edge to our attack,” said a Lyon spokesperson after the Metz game. “The team believes in itself, and Endrick’s presence has galvanized the squad.”

It’s not just Lyon fans who are taking notice. Across Europe, scouts and journalists are marveling at Endrick’s adaptation to senior football. His finishing efficiency, dribbling prowess, and off-ball instincts have drawn comparisons to some of the continent’s best young talents. While it’s still early days, the Brazilian is already living up to the hype that followed him from South America to Madrid—and now, to the heart of France.

Endrick’s journey to Lyon was born out of necessity as much as ambition. Struggling for minutes at Real Madrid, he jumped at the chance to join Lyon on loan, eager to prove himself on a new stage. It’s a move that’s paid immediate dividends for both player and club. Ineligible for the Europa League due to registration issues, Endrick has focused his energy on Ligue 1—and the results speak for themselves.

His rapid-fire start has also reignited conversations about the development of young talent in Europe. Can a player so young sustain this level of impact over a full season? Will Real Madrid integrate him into their first team upon his return, or is another loan on the cards? For now, those questions remain unanswered, but Endrick’s performances are making it difficult for anyone to look away.

Beyond the numbers, there’s a sense of excitement and possibility surrounding Lyon. The club, with its storied history and passionate supporters, has long been a breeding ground for emerging stars. From Karim Benzema to Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon knows how to nurture young attackers—and Endrick appears to be the latest in a proud tradition.

As the Ligue 1 season heads into its decisive months, all eyes will be on Endrick and Lyon. Can they maintain this momentum and challenge the established order at the top of the table? Will Endrick continue to rewrite the record books with his goals and assists? One thing’s for sure: the teenager’s whirlwind start has injected fresh hope and excitement into the league.

With three matches under his belt, four goals scored, and one assist provided, Endrick’s impact is undeniable. Lyon fans are daring to dream, and even neutrals can’t help but be swept up in the buzz. As the Brazilian striker continues to light up French football, the story of his loan spell in Lyon is only just beginning—and if the opening act is anything to go by, there’s plenty more drama still to come.

For now, Lyon sits in fourth place, brimming with belief and ambition. Endrick, meanwhile, has set Ligue 1 alight, and his journey is capturing the imagination of football fans far beyond France’s borders. The next few months promise high drama, big goals, and maybe—just maybe—a title race that no one saw coming.