Vinicius Jr backs Endrick after Lyon loan move

Vinicius Junior has sent a message of support to Endrick after the teenage forward completed a loan move to Lyon, a switch designed to reignite his season through regular football away from Real Madrid.

The 19 year old leaves the pressure of the Santiago Bernabeu after struggling for minutes under new head coach Xabi Alonso, with Lyon offering a fresh platform in Ligue 1 to accelerate his development for the remainder of the campaign.

Lyon confirmed the deal with a festive social media reveal, showing Endrick walking through Christmas lights before pulling on the club’s No 9 shirt. The Brazilian is expected to report for duty on December 29 as Paulo Fonseca begins integrating him into the squad, although his competitive debut will be delayed. French registration rules mean he will miss the league meeting with Monaco on January 3, while the transfer itself becomes official on January 1.

Vinicius’ message landed shortly after the announcement. Writing on Instagram, the Madrid winger wished his fellow Brazilian good luck, a brief but pointed show of solidarity from a player who understands the demands of arriving young at Europe’s biggest club. Their paths share clear parallels, both moving to Madrid as teenagers and learning that progress at the elite level rarely follows a straight line.

For Endrick, the move comes after a frustrating first half of the season. He has made just four appearances across all competitions, a sharp drop from the 22 outings he managed in his debut campaign under Carlo Ancelotti. Despite flashes of strength, movement, and finishing, the competition for places under Alonso has been intense, leaving consistent opportunities hard to come by.

The timing of the loan is significant with international ambitions in mind. Regular minutes are essential as Brazil’s long term planning for the 2026 World Cup gathers pace, and Endrick is acutely aware that form, not reputation, will shape selection. Ancelotti has previously emphasised that point, urging the striker to prioritise playing time as he continues his growth.

Lyon now become a crucial chapter in that journey. The Ligue 1 environment offers space, responsibility, and a demanding schedule that should test his all round game. If Endrick can find rhythm and confidence in France, the loan may prove less a step away from Madrid and more a calculated move toward the player many believe he can become.