The absence of Rayan Cherki in the last list of Didier Deschamps for the League of Nations does not go unnoticed. Many observers wonder about the fate of the Lyon prodigy, long expected to win in the Blues but once again ignored by the tricolor coach. Inevitably, the question is insistent: should he continue to wait, or turn the page to seize another international opportunity that reaches out to him?
Because yes, Rayan Cherki can still choose to defend the colors of Algeria. The FIFA regulations are clear: as long as a player has not played a official match in competition with a selection A, he retains the possibility of changing sports nationality, even after playing friendly or evolved with the hopes. At 21, the OL playmaker remains selectable by Algeria, as Houssem Aouar or Amine Gouiri did it before him. Especially since the coach Vladimir Petkovic has never hidden his interest, and that the door of the Fennecs is wide open to him.
Rayan Cherki, symbol of a binational dilemma always burning
So far, Cherki has always favored France, climbing all the ladder in blue among young people, and appearing among the biggest potential of its generation. But the accumulation of non-selections could end up weighing, especially in the light of its performance in Ligue 1: best dribbler, best passer, member of the typical team of the season, he has nothing to envy the competition. The recent history is full of examples of binational players who chose their country of origin … but also of opposite cases, from Fekir to Benzema via Nasri.
An identity and sporting dilemma for Cherki
Beyond the Cherki case, the question once again poses that of the fate of binational talents. Between the legitimate expectation of the French team and desire to exist at the highest international level, the choice is Cornelian. Especially since the temptation to wait to see a new coach emerge, like Zidane, also exists. But by waiting, certain risks of missing out on the big meetings, starting with the 2026 World Cup.
This Cherki file again crystallizes the complexity of sports identities straddling two banks. At the time of choice, the sports factor, recognition, but also the emotional dimension come into play. Whatever decides, Cherki embodies a recurring debate for many binationals: should we wait for the big blue evening or embrace the history of its origins? A choice of heart, but also of reason, which fascinates and divides both supporters and observers.
