Cherki: The Next Showman in Football’s Spotlight

omidbasir- Barcelona legend Ronaldinho, a World Cup champion with Brazil in 2002, was known for playing the game with a joyful spirit, mesmerizing fans with his array of tricks and skills.

The Samba superstar excelled in executing dazzling maneuvers and effortlessly gliding past defenders. Neymar has followed in his footsteps, showcasing similar flair; however, few players today possess this unique style of play.

Rayan Cherki has emerged as one of the few modern talents who can be categorized as a showman. This season, he recorded a cheeky rabona assist for Manchester City, proving his creativity on the field. Despite being a non-traditional Pep Guardiola player, Cherki has quickly adapted to English football.

Bacary Sagna, a former player familiar with Premier League entertainers, expressed his admiration for Cherki, stating in an interview with GOAL that the young player possesses individual skills honed in the informal settings of street football. Sagna noted, “You can feel that he is a different player. He plays with joy, successfully navigating various situations under pressure, which is an asset for his team.”

Sagna further emphasized that Guardiola appreciates Cherki’s talent, allowing him the freedom to express himself on the pitch. Unlike many players who thrive on strict instructions, those like Cherki and Kevin De Bruyne excel when given the liberty to showcase their abilities. Sagna remarked, “He isn’t afraid to try tricks and enjoy the game. We’ve always sought such players, reminiscent of Nasri and Taarabt, who were both entertainers and effective contributors. Players like Cherki are rare in today’s football landscape.”

Cherki, who transferred to Manchester City from Lyon for £30.5 million ($42 million) in the summer of 2025, is now benefiting from playing alongside top-tier talent, which facilitates opportunities for assists and spectacular goals.

He shares the pitch with prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has already netted 26 goals this season and is committed to a long-term contract in Manchester. When asked if Haaland’s deal, extending until 2034, might see him move elsewhere amidst interest from clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, Sagna asserted, “Man City is the right fit for him. The team is structured around his strengths, and given his youth and potential, it makes sense for him to commit long-term.”

Cherki and Haaland are pivotal to Manchester City’s aspirations for major trophies, as the team competes across four competitions this season. Their upcoming matches include critical fixtures in the Champions League against Galatasaray, as well as Premier League clashes with Tottenham, Liverpool, and Fulham, alongside a Carabao Cup semi-final and an FA Cup tie.