Man City hand Christ Batola academy chance

Manchester City are stepping up their youth recruitment drive by bringing ESTAC Troyes sensation Christ Batola to work with their U-18 and U-19 squads at the City Football Academy.

The 16-year-old, already considered one of the most exciting centre-forwards within the City Football Group network, will use the stint to showcase his talent directly in front of City’s coaches.

The opportunity underlines the strong ties between Troyes and City, and allows the Premier League champions to take a deeper look at a player many view as a future star. Batola has already broken into senior football, making his professional debut in the Coupe de France in December 2025.

Standing at 6-foot-2, the powerful attacker has also impressed on the international stage for France’s Under-17s, scoring 3 goals in 16 appearances. He shone at the U-17 World Cup, helping Les Bleuets reach the knockout rounds and catching the eye with his blend of physical presence, movement and technical quality. For Batola, this City invitation marks another big step in a rapidly accelerating career.