By Martin Graham
Rayan Cherki’s name has quickly become known to football fans around the world after his remarkable performance in France’s recent UEFA Nations League semi-final. During a dramatic 5-4 loss to Spain, the 21-year-old produced a goal that immediately went viral. Controlling a bouncing pass with ease, he struck a first-time volley past Spanish keeper Unai Simon with precision and power – all just 15 minutes into his debut for the senior national team.
The young attacker didn’t stop there. Three days after his memorable introduction, he started for France in the third-place match against Germany, which ended in a 2-0 win for Les Bleus. His creative spark and confidence have seen him go from promising talent to a major talking point in just one week.
Cherki was also involved in France’s Olympic campaign in 2024, contributing to their run to the final, and has previously played a role in taking the under-21 team to the quarter-finals of the European Championship.
Cherki’s meteoric rise has now been rewarded with a high-profile move to Manchester City from Lyon in a transfer worth £30.45 million. A product of Lyon’s youth system, he joined the club at age seven after starting out at AS Saint-Priest. At just 16 years and 140 days old, he became Lyon’s youngest-ever scorer during a French Cup match in early 2020.
That same season, he featured in the Champions League against Zenit, further highlighting his rapid development. In 2023, he had a breakout year in Ligue 1, contributing 11 assists – the most big chances created in the league – and 48 successful dribbles, alongside 13 through-balls and a personal best of 12 goals across all competitions.
Known for his ambidextrous technique, Cherki evenly split his 44 shots in the French top flight last season between his left and right foot. His ability to take corners with either foot for an inswinging delivery has amazed observers, including French football expert Julien Laurens, who called him one of Europe’s finest technicians.
Manchester City, looking to bounce back from a difficult season under Pep Guardiola, have been proactive in the transfer market. Alongside Cherki, City have added Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.3 million and completed a £31 million deal for left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves.
Cherki is expected to feature in an advanced position, likely operating behind striker Erling Haaland. With Kevin De Bruyne now gone, the Frenchman may be trusted to inject creativity in central areas, although a role on the right flank could also be in store – especially with Jack Grealish’s uncertain future and inconsistent form from wingers Jeremy Doku and Savinho.
Though linked with top clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the past, Cherki’s focus is firmly on the present. Despite once saying that playing for Real Madrid was his dream, his arrival in Manchester marks a new chapter. Lyon teammates and coaches have praised him over the years, including Alexandre Lacazette, who believes Cherki has elevated his game significantly.
Described by Ainsley Maitland-Niles as a “wizard with the ball,” Cherki is now set to prove himself on one of football’s biggest stages – just days after making a dazzling start for his country.
