JAKARTA - Endrick said he was happy to follow in Karim Benzema's footsteps at Lyon, but admitted the Al Hilal player was far superior to him.
The Brazilian teenager has scored five goals in five games since joining Lyon on loan from Real Madrid in December 2025.
Meanwhile, in Benzema's early career at Lyon, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner only managed four goals and six assists from 22 appearances since entering the first team in the 2004/2005 to 2005/2006 seasons.
When asked about the comparison with Benzema after the match, Endrick remained grounded.
"It's very good for me because he's a great player, an amazing player, the best in the world. However, Karim is much better than me."
"I hope he succeeds at Al Hilal. I'm very happy to be here, where Karim used to play," said Endrick.
Benzema grew up at Lyon and helped the club win four Ligue 1 titles before moving to Real Madrid in 2009, where he won 25 trophies.
The series of titles includes four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and five Champions League titles.
As runner-up at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Benzema signed a contract with Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal on Monday, February 2, 2026, after helping Al Ittihad win the league and the King's Cup last season.
Meanwhile, Endrick scored in a 2-0 win over Laval on Thursday, February 5, 2026, early in the morning WIB, which helped Lyon secure a place in the quarterfinals of the Coupe de France.
However, the 19-year-old's performance was marred by a red card in Ligue 1 when Lyon narrowly won 1-0 at home to Nantes on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
ESPN Brasil reported that Real Madrid valued Endrick so much that they did not consider extending his loan. He is expected to return to the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2026/2027 season.
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