From the bench to the pitch, Hendrik made history in Lyon

Endrick has truly found a new lease of life. The Brazilian forward, who initially struggled to make an impact at Real Madrid, has turned a page in his young career and begun a remarkable new chapter. On loan at French side Lyon, the 19-year-old star produced a historic performance, scoring a hat-trick that has already etched his name into the club’s and Ligue 1’s record books.

Lyon secured a 5-2 victory over Metz in Ligue 1, with Endrick contributing three of the five goals. He opened the scoring just 11 minutes into the game, doubled the lead in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half, and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. His exploits made him the youngest player to score a hat-trick in both Lyon and Ligue 1 history.

At 19 years and 188 days, Endrick broke Bernard Lacombe’s previous record of 19 years and 196 days. In the 21st century, only a select few have scored hat-tricks at a younger age: Jérémy Ménez (17 years 260 days), Kylian Mbappé (18 years 53 days), and Ousmane Dembélé (18 years 296 days).

Since joining Lyon on loan from Real Madrid in December, Endrick has had a sensational start. In his first three appearances, he has scored four goals and assisted another — the best beginning for a newcomer in Lyon’s history. The previous record-holder was Mariano Díaz, who netted three goals in the same period back in August 2017.

Endrick’s first goal against Metz was set up by captain Corentin Tolisso, with a deft flick from the Brazilian’s left foot. His second came after a brilliant cross from Tyler Morton on the right, which he converted past goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer. Finally, he completed his hat-trick from a penalty he himself earned in the 87th minute. Lyon’s other goals were scored by Ruben Cluivert, son of former Dutch and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, and Tyler Morton.

The win lifted Lyon to fourth place in the Ligue 1 table with 36 points from 19 matches, behind leaders PSG, who have 45 points from the same number of games.

Reflecting on his remarkable turnaround, Endrick said: “I am so happy to be back on the pitch and to have my smile again. Everything is fantastic, even better than I imagined. I can have fun with the team, I know everyone well, and I feel very comfortable. I speak Spanish and English, and I am grateful to the staff — truly amazing.”

Endrick himself chose Lyon for his loan, citing the club’s style of play as a perfect fit. “Lyon’s approach reminds me of my time at Palmeiras when I played as a false nine. I can help the team both offensively and defensively, and I have a lot of freedom here,” he explained.

Ligue 1 Youngest Hat-tricks of the 21st Century

Endrick’s journey from a quiet spell at Real Madrid to record-breaking performances at Lyon exemplifies the remarkable talent and maturity of one of football’s brightest young stars.