Nico O'Reilly, born on 21 March 2005, is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back or midfielder for Manchester City and the England national team. He has gained recognition for his exceptional skills and performances at both club and international levels.
Known For
Early Life
Nico O'Reilly was born in Manchester on 21 March 2005. He began his football journey at the age of eight when he joined the Manchester City academy. O'Reilly's early talent was evident, and he quickly progressed through the ranks due to his dedication and skill. He is of Jamaican descent through his father, which adds to his unique background. Growing up in a football-centric environment, O'Reilly was influenced by the rich football culture of Manchester. His early years were spent honing his skills in various youth competitions, showcasing his potential as a future star.
Career
O'Reilly's club career took a significant step forward when he moved up to the Manchester City under-23 side at the end of the 2021–22 season. In July 2022, he signed his first professional contract with the club, marking the beginning of his professional journey. During the 2022–23 season, he captained the under-18s, demonstrating leadership qualities at a young age. O'Reilly gained attention for his remarkable goal-scoring abilities, notably scoring a stunning overhead scorpion kick in the 95th minute against Middlesbrough in April 2023. He followed this with a spectacular forty-yard chip goal against Manchester United under-18s. O'Reilly trained with the first team during a warm weather camp in Abu Dhabi in December 2022. He made the match day squad for a Premier League fixture against Brighton on 24 May 2023. In the 2024–25 season, O'Reilly made his senior debut in the FA Community Shield against Manchester United on 10 August 2024. He scored his first goal for Manchester City in an FA Cup match against Salford City on 11 January 2025, contributing to an 8–0 victory. On 1 March 2025, he netted his first career brace in a 3–1 win over Plymouth Argyle. His performance in the quarter-finals against AFC Bournemouth earned him the Man of the Match award. O'Reilly made his first Premier League start on 2 April 2025 in a 2–0 win against Leicester City, and he scored his first Premier League goal on 12 April 2025 against Crystal Palace. In the 2025–26 season, he signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City, securing his future at the club until 2030. He scored his first UEFA Champions League goal on 10 December 2025 in a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid.
Achievements
O'Reilly's achievements at Manchester City include scoring his first goal in the FA Cup, contributing to an 8–0 victory over Salford City. He recorded his first brace in a 3–1 win against Plymouth Argyle and assisted both goals in a 2–1 victory over AFC Bournemouth, showcasing his playmaking abilities. His first Premier League goal came during a 5–2 victory against Crystal Palace. At the youth international level, O'Reilly scored for the England under-16s against Northern Ireland in a 6–0 win on 3 June 2021. He also scored for the England U17 side in a 2–2 draw against Slovakia on 21 October 2022. His contributions to the England U20 team began on 6 September 2024 during a 1–1 draw against Turkey.
Legacy
Nico O'Reilly is recognized for his versatility, playing both as a left-back and midfielder. His playing style is characterized by his technical skills, tactical awareness, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. O'Reilly's remarkable performances at youth levels have made him a player to watch in the coming years. His overhead scorpion kick goal and long-range efforts have already set him apart as a talented young player. As he continues to develop at Manchester City and represent England, O'Reilly is poised to leave a lasting impact on the sport, potentially breaking records and earning accolades as his career progresses.
Notable Quotes
“"Every time I step on the pitch, I want to give my best for the team and make my family proud."”
“"Playing for Manchester City is a dream come true, and I hope to contribute to the club's success for many years to come."”
Did You Know?
- Nico O'Reilly scored an overhead scorpion kick goal in the 95th minute of a match, showcasing his flair and creativity on the field.
- He has Jamaican heritage through his father, adding cultural diversity to his background.
- O'Reilly trained with the Manchester City first team at just 17 years old.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nico O'Reilly?
Nico O'Reilly is a English Professional Footballer. Nico O'Reilly, born on 21 March 2005, is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back or midfielder for Manchester City and the England national team. He has gained recognition for his exceptional skills and performances at both club and international levels.
When was Nico O'Reilly born?
Nico O'Reilly was born on March 21, 2005.
What is Nico O'Reilly known for?
Nico O'Reilly is known for: Playing for Manchester City in the Premier League, Scoring an overhead scorpion kick for the Manchester City under-18s, Making his senior debut in the FA Community Shield against Manchester United, Scoring his first Premier League goal against Crystal Palace, Representing England at various youth levels.
What nationality is Nico O'Reilly?
Nico O'Reilly is English.