Lyon

Cherki is a product of the youth academy of Lyon, and is considered one of their best-ever prospects. He began playing with their reserve side in the Championnat National 2 at the age of 15.^[5] On 7 July 2019, Cherki signed his first professional contract with Lyon until 2022.^[6] He made his professional debut in a 0–0 Ligue 1 draw against Dijon on 19 October 2019.^[7] After scoring four goals in the 2019–20 UEFA Youth League, he made his senior European debut on 27 November 2019 in a Champions League group stage game against Zenit Saint Petersburg, aged 16 years and 102 days,^[8] in which he substituted Maxwel Cornet in the 74th minute of a 2–0 loss.^[9]

On 4 January 2020, Cherki scored his first senior goal as a substitute in a 7–0 win over Bourg-en-Bresse in the Coupe de France, becoming the youngest-ever player to score a senior goal for Lyon, aged 16 years and 140 days.^[10] On 18 January, he was involved in all four of Lyon's goals in a 4–3 win over Nantes in another Coupe de France match; he scored a brace, and assisted the other two goals.^[11] On 19 August, Cherki was subbed on in a UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich. In doing so, he became the youngest-ever player to feature in a Champions League semi-final.^[12] Lyon were knocked out of the competition in that match, losing 3–0 to the eventual winners.^[13]

Cherki scored his first Ligue 1 goal in a 3–2 win over Monaco on 2 May 2021. His goal secured the victory for Lyon in the final minutes of the match.^[14]

In September 2024, Cherki extended his stay with the club until 2027.^[15] The extension included an optional year, which would be automatically activated if he was still under contract with Lyon on 1 September 2025.^[16] Following the contract extension, Cherki emerged as a standout player for Lyon, finishing as the league’s top assist provider with 11, and earning him a place in the UNFP Team of the Year.^[17][18] He was also given the inaugural Ligue 1 Dribbler of the Year award.^[19] In the UEFA Europa League, Cherki delivered eight assists, making him the competition’s top assist provider and playing a key role in helping Lyon reach the quarter-finals. His performances were further recognized with the competition's Young Player of the Season award and a place in the Team of the Season.^[20][21]

Manchester City

On 10 June 2025, Premier League club Manchester City announced the signing of Cherki on a five-year contract for a reported initial fee of €36.5m, a potential €6m in add-ons, and a 15% sell-on clause.^[22][23][24] On 22 June, he scored his first goal for the club in a 6–0 FIFA Club World Cup group stage victory against Al Ain.^[25] On 14 August, after Jack Grealish's departure on loan to Everton, Cherki was given the number 10 shirt.^[26] On 16 August, Cherki scored on his Premier League debut for City after coming on as a substitute for Erling Haaland in a 4–0 away victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their season opener.^[27] On 29 October, Cherki registered a goal and an assist on his EFL Cup debut in a 3–1 away victory over EFL Championship side Swansea City in the fourth round.^[28] On 5 November, Cherki scored his first Champions League goal in a 4–1 home league phase victory over Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.^[29]

Club

As of match played 23 August 2026^[38]

International

As of match played 18 July 2026^[39]

As of match played 18 July 2026

France score listed first, score column indicates score after each Cherki goal^[39]

List of international goals scored by Rayan Cherki

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	5 June 2025	MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany	1	Spain	2–5	4–5	2025 UEFA Nations League Finals	[40]
2	4 June 2026	Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France	6	Ivory Coast	1–0	1–2	Friendly	[41]