Rayan Cherki is widely expected to be included in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the upcoming June training camp, with an official announcement set to be made on Wednesday.
The Olympique Lyonnais midfielder has been under increasing media spotlight in recent weeks, with multiple sources reporting that the 20-year-old is on the brink of receiving his first senior call-up to the national team.
Cherki’s standout season and the backing of prominent figures in French football — notably Thierry Henry — have only strengthened speculation surrounding his selection.
Having worked closely with Cherki during his time managing the France U21 side, Henry is well-acquainted with the player’s strengths and evolution. Speaking to L’Équipe, the former France captain praised Cherki’s progress, highlighting his ability to adapt and improve aspects of his game that had previously drawn criticism.
“We didn’t hand him anything. He earned it,” Henry said. “That’s the mark of a top player. Everyone knows what he’s capable of on the ball. But this season, he’s also shown he understands what’s expected of him without it — being able to fit into a tactical system and contribute defensively. That’s what made the difference.”
Cherki’s 2024 campaign has been particularly impressive. The Franco-Algerian-Italian attacker has registered 12 goals and 20 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions.
This output, combined with a greater sense of consistency and discipline in his play, has propelled him back into the conversation for a place in Deschamps’ senior squad.
Henry, however, was candid in acknowledging the hurdles the Lyon midfielder has overcome. In particular, he pointed to the player’s earlier struggles with maintaining performance levels across a full season.
“The issue wasn’t his talent — that was never in doubt. It was the ability to string together performances, especially over several matches,” Henry explained.
“That requires doing the less glamorous work too, like defending, tracking back, staying disciplined. This season, he embraced that, and the result was a more complete and reliable player.
I really like this kid. But at times, you need to be firm with him, like a father would be with his son.”
Cherki’s reported inclusion in Deschamps’ squad would mark a major milestone in a career long tipped for greatness.
Having represented France at various youth levels, his promotion to the senior side has been seen as a matter of when, not if.
With the national team preparing for a crucial summer period, the timing now appears right for Cherki to take the next step.
As speculation intensifies, there is also a growing sense that this could be Cherki’s final stretch with Olympique Lyonnais. With transfer rumours swirling around his future, a move abroad this summer is being widely anticipated.
Whether or not that materialises, his potential call-up is a clear sign of his rising stock in both domestic and international football.
All eyes will now turn to Deschamps’ squad announcement on Wednesday, which could officially mark Rayan Cherki’s elevation to the senior ranks of French football — a development widely seen as the next natural chapter in the young playmaker’s journey.
