Expected to be the detonator capable of shaking up the hierarchy during the 2026 World Cup, Rayan Cherki left the United States with a catastrophic sporting and human record. Supposed to embody the future and the creativity of the French game, the Manchester City attacking midfielder distinguished himself above all by an attitude completely out of step with the demands of the very high level.
From the preparation and the start of the competition, the gap was felt. The repeated schoolboy jokes, the nonchalance during training sessions and an attitude considered too individualistic quickly annoyed the locker room. If his carefree attitude may have pleased him during the first weeks, the line between lightness and lack of respect was often crossed.
The young Lyonnais gradually alienated several executives of the French team. The latter, accustomed to the rigor of international finals, hardly appreciated his inability to measure the event, seeing in his antics a lack of interest in group life and the collective quest. So much so that some wondered about his future in the French team.
Rayan Cherki’s response to the rumors
Zinedine Zidane nevertheless summoned him and installed him in a midfield role, making him debut in Türkiye and against Italy. But to believe The Teamsome French players still have difficulty coping with his behavior. This would particularly be the case of Michael Olise, who would have a hard time with “his pranks”.
But this time, Rayan Cherki decided to respond. “Another invention… Magnificent inspiration”, wrote the Manchester City midfielder on X in the caption of the L’Equipe article, hearing in this way denounced fake news.
