Rayan Cherki has earned a reputation as a divisive figure in the world of football. The attacking midfielder for Olympique Lyonnais often finds himself portrayed as a troublemaker, but those who know him well suggest that this image might not be entirely fair.
Cherki’s talent on the field is undeniable, and he is not one to shy away from speaking his mind. After Lyon’s dramatic 3-2 loss to Olympique de Marseille on Sunday, the 20-year-old didn’t hold back in his post-match interview with DAZN. “It’s frustrating,” he said. “They were down to 10 men since the fifth minute. We’ve dominated here for years, and now we keep falling back. We had so many chances, but still, we fall short. If you want to be a great team, you need to bury your opponents. Today, they leave with the three points, showing off, and we leave with nothing.”
Cherki, who extended his contract with Lyon until 2026 just a day before the Marseille clash, is known for his boldness both on and off the pitch.
His comments, while direct, reflect the frustration of a player deeply invested in his team’s success.
This, however, has also contributed to the perception of him as a hot-headed individual. Many fans see his outspokenness and flamboyant style of play as signs of arrogance, an image Cherki has been keen to shake off.
In an interview with So Foot last April, Cherki tried to dispel this narrative, explaining the role his family plays in keeping him grounded.
“My father is tough on me,” he shared. “He always reminds me that there’s always room for improvement. My family constantly tells me, ‘You’re nothing yet, so stay humble.’ This helps me stay level-headed.”
While some view Cherki as overly confident, others, like Lyon captain Alexandre Lacazette, see a different side. Lacazette has spoken highly of his teammate, calling him “endearing” and far from the arrogant persona many attribute to him.
“He just wants to play football,” Lacazette said in an interview for OL Play. “Yes, he can be frustrating at times, but that’s part of his character.
He’s honest, accepts criticism, and knows when he isn’t performing well. He’s not arrogant; he just wants to be his best.”
Cherki’s playing style is another source of debate. Known for his dribbling, he has often been labeled a soloist, but his statistics tell a different story.
Over the past year, Cherki ranks in the 92nd percentile for creative actions among players in Europe’s top five leagues.
He is also in the 93rd percentile for attempted passes and ranks highly for assists and progressive passes, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.
Despite his undeniable talent, consistency has been an issue for Cherki, a problem that has kept him from securing a move away from Lyon, where he recently signed a contract extension until 2026
. His decision to stay with the club was an emotional one, as evidenced by his tearful speech following Lyon’s qualification for the Europa League last season.
In a heartfelt address to his teammates, he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received during a challenging campaign: “I could have left, but I stayed to help the club. This season will forever be etched in my heart.”
Cherki’s bold personality, combined with his undeniable skills on the pitch, makes him a fascinating figure.
For now, whether he is seen as a misunderstood genius or a difficult character depends on perspective. One thing, however, is clear: Rayan Cherki is determined to prove his worth at Lyon, both on and off the field.
