Juninho, Nilmar’s penalty and now Endrick, Lyon’s long Brazilian story | OneFootball

Endrick has joined Lyon on loan from Real Madrid, becoming the club’s 29th Brazilian, 70 years after Constantino.

L'Équipe notes that, behind France, Brazil is Lyon’s second most represented nation.

The 2000s were defined by Cris and Juninho, each passing 300 games and setting the standard in Ligue 1 and Europe. Juninho’s free-kicks forged his legend, his later director stint proved mixed. Sonny Anderson scored 94 in 161.

Claudio Caçapa captained six straight titles and later returned as an assistant. Marcelo Djian’s recruiting helped open the Brazilian pipeline.

Lucas Paqueta lit up 2020-2022, and Bruno Guimaraes shone in 71 games. Rafael provided 139 reliable outings, and Marçal impressed in the 2020 Final 8 that ended 0-3 to Bayern.

Abner has six goals in 43 since summer 2024. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri, 1.97m, arrived in January 2024, displaced Anthony Lopes, then joined Leeds for €16m in 2025.

Not all flourished. Marcelo neared 170 games and wore the armband, but a messy end hurt his legacy. Nilmar is recalled for a denied PSV penalty in 2005 after 1-1, 1-1 and a 4-2 shootout loss.

Cléber Anderson played only 12 after Cris’s 2007 injury. Under John Textor, €10m Jeffinho underwhelmed and Adryelson lasted four matches before Al-Wasl. Camilo, signed in 2020, never featured.

Constantino, the first Brazilian, made 91 appearances from 1956 to 1959 and reached the 1958 Fairs Cup last 16 against Inter, losing 0-7. He came from Marseille, left for Nîmes, and later finished at Marignanne.

Source: L'Équipe