Rayan Cherki
Profession: Footballer
Born: August 17, 2003
Age: 22 years old
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lyon, France
Known for: Attacking Midfielder for the French National Team.
Biography
Rayan Cherki is a French professional footballer who has been known for his creativity, and technical brilliance. Cherki who plays as an attacking midfielder, got exposure for his move to Manchester City. He has been acknowledged for his vision, and ability to unlock defenses.
Cherki was born in Lyon, France, and raised in a family with Algerian and Italian descent. His father Fabrice Cherki is of Italian and Chaoui Algerian ethnicity while his mother Abla Cherki is of Algerian descent.
He began his career at the youth level with Saint-Priest and pass through the youth academy of Lyon.
His passion for football saw him join the academy of his hometown club, Olympique Lyonnais, at the age of 7, as his talent was recognized right from childhood. He signed his first professional contract for the club on July 7, 2019, and made his debut in goalless draw against Dijon, on October 19, 2019.
He scored his first goal for Lyon in 7-0 win victory against Bourg-en-Bresse in the Coupe de France on January 4, 2020. He had 146 appearances with four goals during his time at Lyon.
Cherki joined Manchester City on a five-year deal for a reported fee of €36.6 million, on June 10, 2025. He scored his first goal for Manchester City in a 6-0 win against Al Ain at the FIFA Club World Club, on June 22, 2025. He was given the number 10 jersey which was previously won by Jack Grealish who went on loan to Everton.
However, Cherki had an immediate impact at Manchester City after scoring on his premier league debut on August 16, 2025. He came on as a substitute for Erling Haaland in a 4-0 away win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made his UEFA champions league debut in a 2-0 win against the Spanish team Villarreal.
Cherki chose to represent France as oppose his parents origin, Algeria and Italy. He played at the French youth team from under-16 to under-21 levels.
He also played at France Olympic, where he made appearances in three games during the tournament. He won the silver medal with France after reaching the final of the Olympic.
He was called up to the senior team and made his debut and also scored in a 5-4 loss against Spain in the Nations League Semi-finals, on June 5, 2025.
Career Timeline
- 2009-2010 – Saint-Priest (youth career)
- 2010-2019 – Lyon (youth career)
- 2019-2021 – Lyon B
- 2019-2025 – Lyon
- 2025 – Manchester City
Personal Details
- Alternative name: Ryan Cherki
- Nationality: French
- Height: 1.77 m
- Religion: Islam
- Parents: Fabrice Cherki (father), Abla Cherki (mother)
- Siblings: Eden Cherki (younger brother)
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/rayan_cherki/?hl=en
Trivia
- He started playing football for Lyon at the age of 16.
- Cherki is of both Algerian and Italian descent.
- Cherki uses both feet but has a stronger left foot.
- He became the youngest player to score in the Coupe de France with Lyon.
- He stands out for his vision and passing range.
- He has been compared to former Manchester City player Riyad Mahrez for his style of play.
- He is a favorite among young FIFA video game players due to his high skill ratings.
- His younger brother named Eden Cherki is also a footballer for Lyon.
- He earns a salary of 9.36 million GPB as at 2025
