Endrick Joins Ligue 1’s Table of Legends Alongside Mbappé and Dembélé
At just 19 years old, Endrick delivered a performance that places him in an elite club within French football. A precocious milestone previously reached only by Mbappé and Dembélé this century.
A Hat-Trick That Launches Him Into the Elite
With three goals against Metz in Ligue 1 at just 19 years old, Endrick entered the exclusive pantheon of the most precocious strikers in French football in the 21st century.
The Brazilian forward, on loan from Real Madrid to Olympique de Lyon, produced a performance that went far beyond the scoreline (2–5), immediately placing him in conversations usually reserved for far bigger names.
The feat is no small one. Since 2000, only Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé had managed a Ligue 1 hat-trick at such a young age. Endrick didn’t just score three goals — he matched a historic benchmark previously reserved for World Cup winners.
The Inevitable Comparison: Mbappé and Dembélé
This century’s record is clear and exclusive. Jérémy Ménez did it at 17 years and 260 days in 2005; Mbappé, at 18 years and 53 days in 2017; and Dembélé, at 18 years and 296 days in 2016.
Now, Endrick, at 19, officially joins that elite group.
The difference lies in the context. The Brazilian has played just three official matches for Lyon (two in the league and one in the cup), yet already boasts four goals and one assist. Immediate impact, no adaptation period, and a maturity well beyond his age.
A Historic Record Also Broken at Lyon
The night against Metz was special not only at the Ligue 1 level. Endrick broke a long-standing Olympique de Lyon club record dating back to 1972, becoming the youngest player in club history to score three goals in a single match, surpassing club legend Bernard Lacombe.
For a club with such a rich attacking tradition, the significance cannot be understated. Endrick etched his name into Lyon’s history — in just his third official appearance.
A Message That Reaches Ancelotti
Since arriving in Lyon in late December, Endrick has been a phenomenon both on and off the pitch. A decisive cup goal against Lille, an assist versus Brest, and now a hat-trick that has shaken French football.
“He is decisive and different,” summarized Paulo Fonseca, though he urged caution:
“He needs to improve physically and continue progressing.”
The question remains: Is this historic milestone enough to convince Carlo Ancelotti to take him to the World Cup?
Too early to tell. But one thing is already clear: Endrick has taken a seat at the table once occupied only by Mbappé and Dembélé… and he doesn’t look ready to leave anytime soon.
