Endrick to Don Iconic Number 9 Shirt at Olympique Lyon on Loan from Real Madrid

Olympique Lyon have secured the loan signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick from Real Madrid until the end of the 2025-26 season. The 19-year-old forward, who has struggled for minutes under Xabi Alonso at the Bernabéu, will don the prestigious number 9 shirt for Les Gones, as confirmed by reliable sources including Fabrizio Romano and the club itself.

The deal, finalized on December 23, 2025, is a straight six-month loan with no purchase option. Lyon will pay a €1 million loan fee and cover half of Endrick's salary, while Real Madrid retains full control over his future. Reports indicate a clause requiring the striker to feature in a minimum number of matches to ensure his development.

Endrick's choice of the number 9 carries significant weight at Lyon, evoking memories of legendary Brazilian striker Sonny Anderson, who wore it during the club's dominant era from 1999 to 2003. The shirt has been vacant following the summer departures of Alexandre Lacazette and others, making it a symbolic handover to the young Seleção star.

At Real Madrid, Endrick inherited the number 9 earlier this season after Kylian Mbappé switched to 10, but limited opportunities—just 99 minutes across competitions—prompted the move. The loan aims to provide regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Endrick hopes to cement his place in Brazil's squad.

Lyon, currently fifth in Ligue 1 and leading their Europa League group under Paulo Fonseca, see Endrick as the missing piece for a Champions League push. He is expected to join training on December 29, with eligibility from January 1 and a potential debut against Monaco on January 3.