Rayan Cherki

Early Life

Rayan Cherki was born in Lyon to Fabrice Amsellem and Abla Cherki. His diverse heritage includes Italian and Algerian Jewish descent from his father, while his mother hails from Biskra, Algeria. Cherki joined the Olympique Lyonnais youth academy at a young age and quickly showcased his exceptional talent. By the age of 15, he was already playing with Lyon's reserve team in the Championnat National 2, demonstrating his potential. His early performances caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike, leading to his signing of a professional contract with Lyon in July 2019.

Career

Cherki made his professional debut for Lyon on October 19, 2019, in a Ligue 1 match against Dijon, where the game ended in a 0-0 draw. He made history on January 4, 2020, by becoming the youngest player to score a senior goal for Lyon, netting a goal in a 7-0 victory over Bourg-en-Bresse in the Coupe de France. His standout performance on January 18, 2020, saw him score two goals and provide two assists in a thrilling 4-3 win against Nantes. Cherki's European debut came on November 27, 2019, against Zenit in the UEFA Champions League, making him the youngest player to feature in a Champions League semi-final at just 16 years and 102 days. After a successful spell at Lyon, he extended his contract until 2027, solidifying his role as a key player. In June 2025, Cherki signed with Manchester City for a reported fee of €36.5 million, marking a significant step in his career.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Cherki has accumulated several impressive accolades. He became the youngest player to score for Lyon in senior competitions at 16 years and 140 days. In the 2024 season, he emerged as the top assist provider in Ligue 1 with 11 assists, earning a spot in the UNFP Team of the Year. His contributions in the UEFA Europa League also shone, where he recorded eight assists, making him the competition's top assist provider and earning the Young Player of the Season award. Cherki's performances have led to him being recognized as the inaugural Ligue 1 Dribbler of the Year, highlighting his exceptional dribbling skills and creativity on the pitch.

Legacy

Cherki's playing style is characterized by his creativity, agility, and technical skills, making him a formidable attacking midfielder. His ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities has drawn comparisons to some of the greats of the game. As one of the youngest players to achieve significant milestones, including being the first to play in a Champions League semi-final at such a young age, Cherki's influence on football is evident. He holds records for being the youngest player to score for Lyon and the youngest to feature in crucial European matches, paving the way for future talents in French football.

Notable Quotes

Did You Know?

• Cherki's first professional contract with Lyon was signed when he was just 15 years old.
• He has dual heritage, with roots in both Italy and Algeria.
• Cherki was a standout player in the UEFA Youth League, scoring four goals in the 2019-20 season.

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