Algerian-descended forward Rayan Cherki bids emotional farewell to Olympique Lyon and addresses internal rift

Rayan Cherki’s long-standing journey with Olympique Lyonnais came to an emotional end on Saturday, as the 20-year-old playmaker broke down in tears following the club’s Ligue 1 fixture against Angers.

After 14 years in Lyon’s ranks, Cherki confirmed his departure with heartfelt words—and a pointed message to his critics within the club.

“In my tears, there were 14 years of passion, 14 years of hard work, 14 years of determination,” Cherki said post-match. “As I just told you, where I come from, there are very few who would have recovered. I am very proud of myself.”

Having emerged from the Lyon academy, the Algerian-descended forward was once heralded as one of France’s brightest prospects.

Now, as he prepares to close the chapter on a formative spell in his career, his future appears destined for a move abroad.

Premier League side Liverpool and Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are all reportedly monitoring his situation, with Lyon seemingly ready to part ways despite his contract running until 2026.

Cherki, however, made sure to use his final moments in Lyon colours to thank those who helped him along the way—and to urge supporters to continue backing the next generation.

“Thank you all, to all the coaches I’ve seen at OL,” he added. “I’ve made so many dreams come true here. If I could say one thing to the fans, it would be to take under their wing all the young Lyon players who are coming up and who are arriving. It’s thanks to you that they will want to stay at the club and make history, because whatever happens… I’ll be back.”

But the farewell was not entirely sentimental.

Cherki also used the occasion to voice his frustrations with how he was treated at the start of the current season, revealing he felt unjustly ostracised by the club’s management.

“I started the season in the loft even though I never betrayed the club, I gave everything for this badge,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy season, I was spat on a lot internally. There was a lot of bad talk about my entourage even though the only one who makes the decisions is me. I haven’t forgotten where I come from. I’m proud of this season.”

Despite a challenging year marked by exclusion and criticism, Cherki walks away from Lyon with a sense of pride—and a strong belief that his best years lie ahead.

His departure will mark the end of an era at OL, but also the beginning of a new chapter for one of French football’s most talented young exports.