Rayan Cherki: five things as he heads to the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki heads to his first international tournament with France after an eye-catching debut season at Manchester City. Here are five things about the 22-year-old.

Le Progres notes he left Lyon for City in summer 2025 to work under Pep Guardiola.

His first France cap came on 5 June 2025, a Nations League semi-final against Spain. On at 63 minutes for Michael Olise, he scored on 79 with a volley from the edge of the box past Unai Simon. France fought back to 5-2 but lost 5-4.

He began in No 29 at the Club World Cup, then took City’s No 10 when Jack Grealish was loaned to Everton late in the window. Before Grealish, Sergio Aguero was the last Sky Blue to wear it.

As a 16-year-old in January 2020, he sank Nantes in the Coupe de France with two goals and two assists in a 4-3 win. Kylian Mbappé praised him in a tweet.

He quickly struck up a friendship with Erling Haaland at City, the pair trading playful jibes on social media. They will be on opposite sides on 26 June when France face Norway.

Cherki says Lyon first noticed him in a car park, where coach Gérard Baticle told him there was a 95% chance he would join after seeing him juggle while running. He trialled the following Wednesday and later signed professionally after completing his academy years.

Source: Le Progres