Softfootball understands that Endrick’s move to Olympique Lyon is already stirring debate online, and the decision to hand the Brazilian teenager the iconic number 9 shirt, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, has only added fuel to the conversation.
He posted:
Endrick will wear number 9 shirt at Olympique Lyon and he’ll be ready to play from January 1st, as soon as the transfer window opens.
With the transfer window set to open on January 1st, Lyon has confirmed that Endrick, who last featured for Real Madrid in the club’s 3-2 victory against Talavera, will be available to play for Lyon immediately, signalling trust or pressure, depending on who you ask.
On X, reactions ranged from romantic nostalgia to sharp criticism. Some users viewed the shirt number as a symbolic passing of history, while others saw it as an unnecessary burden placed on a young player still finding his feet in Europe.
One user leaned heavily into the historical significance of the number, framing it as a continuation of Brazil’s striker lineage rather than a risky choice.
GameFi Crusher (@GamefiCrusher) wrote:
R9 Ronaldo wore #9. Benzema wore #9. Now Endrick. Living up to Brazilian striker legacy
Xolknvg (@xol_knvg) was less poetic and more dismissive, using the moment to take a shot at Endrick’s past decision to name himself Sir Bobby, mocking the player and stating that he got dumped by Real Madrid.
He said:
sir Bobby was dumped by Madrid
A more detailed reaction came from Don3x, who questioned Real Madrid’s intentions, suggesting the loan move exposes Endrick rather than protects his development. The concern wasn’t about talent, but timing.
Don3x (@don3x_1) said:
Real Madrid loaning their crown jewel and handing him a striker’s number isn’t development…it’s a public trial by fire. Lyon gets a prospect; Endrick gets a target on his back.
coffeededo_o took a lighter, almost mocking approach, recalling earlier hype and comparisons that now feel premature.
coffeededo_o (@coffeededo_o) posted:
Remember when Madrid fans compared him to Yamal. I’m crying
Perhaps the most unusual take came from a user framing the move like a financial transaction, reducing football romance to balance sheets and asset management.
Hans From Finance (@HansFromFinance) wrote:
Lyon just executed a distress-sale lease agreement for a high-beta asset. Handing him the number 9 is a desperate attempt to signal growth to shareholders. Real Madrid is just parking their inventory elsewhere to avoid further depreciation. Pure arbitrage.
Whether the number 9 becomes a badge of honour or a heavy weight remains to be seen. What’s clear already is that Endrick won’t be arriving quietly.
