When Spain was steamrolling France 5-1 in the UEFA Nations League semi-final, most fans were halfway through their popcorn and scrolling for memes. Enter Cherki, Lyon’s pocket-sized maestro with the swagger of a man who brings a flamethrower to a water balloon fight. In just 27 minutes, he reshaped the match and probably broke half the data analysts’ laptops in the process.
Cherki changes the narrative (and defenders’ ankles)
Subbed on just after the hour mark, Cherki took one touch and announced himself louder than a vuvuzela in a church. A thunderous volley, a devilish cross, and suddenly Spain’s defenders looked like they’d just tried to solve quantum physics without coffee. A goal and assist on debut? Only two other Frenchmen have done that this century. This wasn’t luck. This was the statement.
Why everyone wants a slice of Cherki
Manchester City is already circling. Why? Because no one in Europe’s top five leagues created more chances per 90 in 2024–25. Not Bruno, not Salah, not your cousin on FIFA 24. Cherki was out there spinning silk from open play, averaging a jaw-dropping 2.9 chances created per 90. For context, that’s like making soufflé in a tornado—consistently.
More magic than Hogwarts and less drama than Neymar
Forget traditional wingers tied to their flanks. Cherki floats, glides, and grooves wherever he likes—usually into dangerous pockets between the lines. With 11 Ligue 1 assists and Europa League numbers so outrageous they should be censored, this 21-year-old doesn’t just play the game. He improvises it.
Yes, Cherki presses like a man who misplaced his car keys, but does it matter when he’s setting up more goals than your average wedding planner? Under Guardiola, he might press a little more—and maybe even tuck in his shirt. Or not.
So buckle up. The Cherki era isn’t just coming—it’s already dancing down the touchline, nutmegging logic along the way.
