Romário backs Endrick as Real Madrid setback leads to Lyon loan
1 January 2026
Romário backs Endrick after Real Madrid setback
Romário, the Brazilian football legend, has publicly backed Endrick, the teenage Real Madrid forward who has just joined Lyon on a season-long loan, insisting the move could help him rebuild his momentum.
Endrick, 19, moved to Lyon on loan until the end of the season in search of more playing time and a clearer path to Brazil's squad for the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with L'Équipe, Romário praised Endrick's talents and expressed confidence that the forward will succeed in France, saying: "Endrick is among the best forwards we have. Unfortunately, he wasn't lucky at Real Madrid, but he's a big player who knows where the goal is."
Romário added: "I hope he does wonderful things at Lyon. I'm with him all the way."
Romário's support comes at a timely moment, as Endrick arrived amid a warm welcome from Lyon's board and supporters who are hopeful he can be the attacking piece that reinvigorates the club's Ligue 1 bid.
Lyon currently sit fifth in the Ligue 1 standings, five points behind Marseille, the third-placed team and the last to secure a European berth.
Endrick, aged 19, has struggled to secure regular minutes at Real Madrid in recent months and is seeking this new chapter to rediscover his form and secure a place in Brazil's plans for 2026.
Context note: this loan move is seen as part of a broader trend of young South American talents gaining exposure in Ligue 1 as a stepping stone to greater international recognition.
Punchlines: 1) If Endrick scores on his Lyon debut, Real Madrid will finally admit their scouts were not wrong—just operating in the wrong country. 2) If Lyon miss Europe by a single point, Romário might demand a few more tickets to the post-match press conference.
