In a commanding display that solidified both his personal revival and his team’s ascent, Brazilian phenom Endrick netted a stunning hat-trick for Olympique Lyonnais in a 5-2 away victory over FC Metz on Sunday.
The performance, which marked the first senior hat-trick of the 19-year-old’s career, announced his arrival in Ligue 1 with spectacular authority and propelled Lyon to their eighth consecutive win across all competitions.
The Real Madrid loanee, who endured a challenging stint in Spain with limited playing time, needed just eleven minutes to open the scoring at the Stade Saint-Symphorien. Found in the area by a clever pass from Corentin Tolisso, Endrick deftly chipped the ball over the onrushing Metz goalkeeper Jonathan Fischer.
He doubled his tally just before halftime, embarking on a blistering run from the halfway line after receiving a pass from Tyler Morton before slotting home a calm, left-footed finish. After Metz showed brief signs of a comeback, Endrick extinguished all doubt in the 87th minute, confidently converting a penalty he earned himself to complete his trio of goals.
The emphatic result carries significant weight in the Ligue 1 table, allowing fourth-placed Lyon to consolidate their position in the coveted Champions League qualification spots and close the gap on third-placed Olympique de Marseille to just two points.
For Endrick, the match was more than just a statistical triumph; it represented a profound personal and professional resurgence. “I’m very happy to be back on the pitch and to have my smile back,” the Brazilian international said after the match, reflecting on his swift adaptation to life in France.
He cited Lyon’s attacking style, which he compared favorably to his formative years at Palmeiras, as a key factor in his immediate impact. “I really like it. I have a lot of freedom,” Endrick explained.
Endrick’s start in Lyon has been nothing short of spectacular. Across his first three appearances for the club, in the Coupe de France, and now in Ligue 1, he has contributed directly to five goals, scoring four and providing one assist.
This prolific output has rapidly endeared him to a new fanbase and silenced any doubts about his readiness for elite European football. His teammate Clinton Mata acknowledged the instant boost, stating, “He brings us so much, he is a very explosive player with a lot of qualities. We try to put him in the best conditions so that he offers us good performances”.
While Lyon will enjoy his services for the remainder of the season, his parent club, Real Madrid, will be watching closely. Although the Spanish giants held an option to recall the youngster this month, that deadline passed on January 20, securing his stay in France for now.
With his confidence restored and his talent on full display, Endrick is not only driving Lyon’s push for European football but also making a compelling case for a prominent role in Brazil’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. As his dazzling form continues, the football world is witnessing the rapid ascent of a player finally unleashed on a stage worthy of his prodigious talent.