Rayan Cherki has a big heart. Olympique Lyonnais occupies a very important place there. It was there that he made his mark before becoming a professional footballer. So, when it was time to say goodbye or rather say goodbye because he promised that he would return one day between Rhône and Saône, the emotion was palpable. “Thousands of emotions, hundreds of memories and an indelible mark on the heart. No speech could really transcribe everything that crosses my mind at the moment of leaving behind this jersey and this coat of arms bearing the lion that I wore with such pride for almost 15 years (…) Thank you also to President Jean-Michel Aulas for offering me the opportunity to experience this adventure with my club, my club that of my heart and my city (…) Because we are born Lyonnais and we die Lyonnais.”
It is with OL in his heart and in his head that he left to write a new chapter in his history at Manchester City, under the caring but demanding eye of Pep Guardiola. A coach who knew how to figure it out, where others failed. Under his orders and surrounded by experienced and talented players such as Erling Haaland with whom he formed a real bond, the native of Lyon spent his first year at Manchester City. Although he is a blue, the footballer born in 2003 knew how to do well. He finished his first year with a nice record of 10 goals and 15 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, including 30 as a starter (2854 minutes of play). His results are more than correct and even positive for such a young recruit. Especially since Guardiola sometimes used him less, even though he was not unworthy. But patience is also part of learning.
A first year validated
Cherki took it all without flinching. Even when the English press, which is nevertheless known to be difficult, was on their side because they did not understand the management of Pep Guardiola. In just under a year, Frenchy has learned and grown a lot by playing in prestigious competitions like the Champions League or the Premier League. He was also praised by his peers as he was nominated for the title of best U23 player of the season in England. He is competing with 7 other players including his teammate Nico O’Reilly, Eli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) and Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd). This isn’t the one and only category where the former Gone is nominated. Last Wednesday he was nominated for the Premier League rookie of the season award. He was in the fight with Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds), Victor Gyökeres (Arsenal), João Pedro (Chelsea), Antoine Semenyo (Man City), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) and Senne Lemmens (MU), who was elected.
Concerning Cherki (33 matches, 20 wins, 8 draws, 5 defeats, 4 goals, 12 assists in the league), the official PL website was still rave. “Manchester City’s French winger has shone in his first season in the Premier League after arriving from Lyon in the summer. Cherki produced a string of high-quality goals and technical moves, contributing greatly to his team’s fierce fight against Arsenal in the title race. Among his finest actions, we will notably remember a superb solo goal against Arsenal and a rabona cross for Phil Foden against Sunderland. For The Athletiche is clearly one of the best transfers of the season in England in 2025-26. The British media ranked him second in its ranking out of 189 recruits of the year. Only Granit Xhaka, who moved from Leverkusen to Sunderland, appealed a little more.
Cherki is already making a strong impression
But Rayan Cherki really bluffed The Athletic. “First impressions: A potential steal — he could be worth five times as much in three years. Verdict: Ten goals and 15 assists, but this guy’s game has nothing to do with the numbers. There is an argument to call Cherki the best footballer — in the strict sense of the term — in the entire division. A talented maestro who can win any match single-handedly and a footballer who warms your heart and makes you smile. Add to that the relatively low fees, and it was a fantastic deal by any standards.” Indeed, the publication recalls that it cost “only” €42.5 million including €6 million in bonuses. A real deal when we know that Florian Wirtz cost much more and had more difficulties with the Reds. Manchester City can rub their hands with Cherki, who also receives compliments from Manchester Evening News.
The English media gave him an 8 for his first season overall. Which is a very good mark. “He was able to establish himself quickly, but his consistency and efficiency continued to grow, and he was exceptional for a month at the end of the season. Remarkable stats for his first year in England, and he’s still young enough to progress.”added the MEN. Journalist specializing in English football, Salim Baungally is also won over by this first year. “There were a lot of expectations around this player coming to City in Pep Guardiola’s team. His first part of the season was rather good and logical. Seen from France, we could say that it was very strange management on the part of Guardiola. One time he played, another time he didn’t. But that’s Guardiola’s management. He often did it even with players who had proven their qualities like Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez. Sometimes it was surprising and you could wonder if he had a problem with the player.
From Skyblues to Blues
He continues: “but that wasn’t the case. Guardiola likes to take his time with the player and allow him to understand things, especially the way the team plays. Cherki has become a key player. He could play on the right or behind the striker. In this little game, he showed his importance with goals and assists, notably for Erling Haaland. One of the great satisfactions of the season is the relationship he has with the Norwegian. There is a very interesting feeling between the two. They seem to really enjoy playing together. Cherki with Haaland can really form the City duo. Cherki became the one who finally succeeded in replacing De Bruyne at City (in relation to the relationship with Haaland, editor’s note).” Now, Cherki, who is City’s rookie of the year, will be expected to confirm in his second season in England. This time, he will no longer be able to count on the valuable advice of Pep Guardiola, who bowed out after a decade at City. He will have to move forward with Enzo Maresca, expected to take over.
It will be another style, but also another opportunity to learn for Cherki, who has already crossed paths with Peter Bosz, Laurent Blanc, Rudi Garcia, Fabio Grosso, Pierre Sage and even Paulo Fonseca during his time between Rhône and Saône. He has also been playing under the orders of Didier Deschamps for several months. The coach will count on him during the 2026 World Cup. Rayan Cherki’s first with the Blues. But he has already proven that the pressure slips on him and that he is entirely capable of responding when the level rises. He hopes to lift another trophy on July 19 after winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season with City. Which he celebrated with the club and his teammates. We have also been able to see his progress in English. Despite this crazy year, Cherki has not forgotten OL. In February, he went to the bedside of sick children in Lyon. In May, he brought in sick children and their families, doctors and volunteers. He also welcomed two OL stewards to the Etihad Stadium a few days ago. In addition to having golden feet, Rayan Cherki also has a big heart.
