History of Rayan Cherki in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 12, 2026

Rayan Cherki is a French professional footballer. He plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Manchester City and represents the France national team.

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Full Timeline

July 2019: Signed First Professional Contract with Lyon

On July 7, 2019, Rayan Cherki signed his first professional contract with Lyon, which was set to last until 2022.

October 2019: Professional Debut

On October 19, 2019, Rayan Cherki made his professional debut for Lyon in a Ligue 1 match against Dijon, which ended in a 0–0 draw.

November 2019: Senior European Debut

On November 27, 2019, at the age of 16 years and 102 days, Rayan Cherki made his senior European debut in a Champions League group stage game against Zenit. He came on as a substitute in the 74th minute of a 2–0 loss.

January 2020: First Senior Goal and Coupe de France Impact

In January 2020, Rayan Cherki scored his first senior goal in a 7–0 win over Bourg-en-Bresse in the Coupe de France, becoming Lyon's youngest-ever senior goal scorer. Later in January 2020, he was involved in all four of Lyon's goals in a 4–3 Coupe de France win over Nantes, scoring two goals and assisting the other two.

May 2021: First Ligue 1 Goal

On May 2, 2021, Rayan Cherki scored his first Ligue 1 goal in a 3–2 victory over Monaco, securing the win for Lyon in the final minutes of the match.

September 2024: Contract Extension and League Success

In September 2024, Rayan Cherki extended his contract with Lyon until 2027. Following the extension in September 2024, he became a key player, leading the league in assists and earning a spot in the UNFP Team of the Year.

June 2025: Signed with Manchester City

On June 10, 2025, Rayan Cherki signed a five-year contract with Manchester City for an initial fee of €36.5m. On June 22, 2025, he scored his first goal for the club in a FIFA Club World Cup match.

June 2025: Debut for the French Senior Squad

On June 5, 2025, Rayan Cherki debuted for the French senior squad, scoring and assisting in a 5–4 loss against Spain in the Nations League semi-finals. He earned his first start on June 9, 2025, in a 2–0 victory against Germany in the same tournament.