'In training, Xabi Alonso showed me things I could improve. Sometimes mentally, you can feel unstable, but I kept working. Maybe if he had played me more often, I wouldn’t be living this happy moment at Lyon' Endrick opens up on tough Real Madrid start

Endrick of Olympique Lyonnais arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Olympique Lyonnais and Real Club Celta at OL Stadium on March 19, 2026.

Given his much-trailed move from Brazil to Real Madrid, Endrick’s start in the Spanish capital perhaps wasn’t everything he imagined.

Los Blancos first announced the signing at the back end of 2022, when the forward was just 16 years old, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2024 he actually arrived at the club.

A move like that will always build suspense, not helped by the long delay in his arrival, so it was always going to be difficult to live up to such intense expectations.

Endrick reveals why Lyon loan has been such an important reset

The Brazilian has made a strong impression in France (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Brazilian made 37 appearances in his first season, but following the arrival of Xabi Alonso in the dugout, that dropped to just three outings in the first half of 2025/26, initially due to injury but later through the manager’s selection.

It wouldn’t be long until the German coach departed himself, but weeks before Endrick agreed a temporary switch to French side Lyon to get back to playing.

Endrick. Hat-Trick 🎩 pic.twitter.com/HspxResFs0January 25, 2026

Despite that, the 19-year-old harbours no ill feelings towards Alonso.

“It was a normal relationship,” the Brazilian told FourFourTwo. “I learned a lot from him. In training he showed me things I could improve on to perform better. I always gave my best in training sessions.

“Sometimes when things aren’t going well, mentally you can feel a bit unstable, but I kept working and waiting for an opportunity.

“I believe things happen for a reason. Maybe if he had played me more often, I wouldn’t be living this happy moment at Lyon, with more chances to do what I love most – playing football.”

It certainly is a happy moment for the youngster, who has turned out 15 times for Lyon in just a couple of months, scoring an impressive six goals – including his first senior professional hat-trick in a Ligue 1 match against Metz.

Endrick's game time was much reduced under Xabi Alonso (Image credit: Getty Images)

“When the name Lyon came to table in conversations with my agent and my wife Gabi, God touched my heart to say it was the right destination,” Endrick said.

“I thank God for that, because I’m enjoying life here in France. Many things are happening for my good and for the good of my family.

“Of course, I didn’t stay long in Madrid, I left to play more minutes and I thank God for giving me a new opportunity to keep developing. Being able to play regularly again brings huge happiness.”