This Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the microphone of
Téléfootthe emblematic former captain of OL, Cris, drew a bold parallel between the new prodigy Endrick and the “Nueve”, whom he saw blossom in the mid-2000s.
A strength of character
For the “Policeman”, the resemblance does not stop at pure talent, but lies above all in strength of character. Cris says he is amazed by the aggression and warrior mentality of the 19-year-old, personality traits which recall the confidence displayed by Benzema in his early days. With 4 goals and 1 assist in just three appearances, Endrick has already made his mark on the club’s history by becoming the youngest OL player to score a hat-trick, thus surpassing his illustrious elders at an early age. “ I saw Karim Benzema grow up in Lyon. He had a huge character. When I see Endrick, it’s almost the same thing”, smiles Cris on the air of TF1. “He is a player who can eliminate one-on-one and unbalance in the area. »
Endrick, “the player you needed”
Lyon’s fellow Brazilian legend Sonny Anderson followed suit, saying Endrick was exactly “the player needed” to reinvigorate Paulo Fonseca’s attack. His ability to play with his back to goal and his power in duels make him a complete profile that unbalances any Ligue 1 defense.
While rumors of Karim Benzema’s return to France are stirring the news on this last day of the transfer window, OL already seem to have found their spiritual heir. If Benzema left an indelible mark with his 66 goals in the Lyon jersey, Endrick, although present on a short-term loan, seems invested with a mission: to make an impression as intensely as his predecessors before returning to Real Madrid.
