Rayan Cherki has declined to offer clarity on his international future, casting fresh doubt over whether he will one day represent Algeria at senior level.
The Olympique Lyonnais midfielder, born in France to Algerian parents, was asked about the subject following his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Thursday evening, in which he scored a goal.
Speaking to BeIN Sports after the match, the 21-year-old appeared in no hurry to resolve speculation surrounding his national team allegiance.
“We played a good game, we must not focus only on me, but on all the players. And as for the national team, one thing at a time,” Cherki said, brushing off suggestions that a decision was imminent.
Cherki currently represents France at youth level and has been widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted young players in the country’s ranks.
Despite his ties to Algeria through family heritage, the player has not yet accepted any invitation to join the Algerian national side—something that has become a recurring point of debate among fans and commentators in both nations.
The ambiguity around his international future has long kept Algerian supporters hoping that he might eventually opt to play for the North African nation.
However, Thursday’s comments suggest that the Lyon playmaker is not prioritising that decision at this stage of his career.
The draw against Manchester United showcased once again why Cherki remains so highly regarded in European football.
His goal capped a lively performance in a friendly match that gave Lyon a boost ahead of the final stretch of the Ligue 1 season. Still, for many observers, his post-match remarks stole the spotlight.
Born and raised in Lyon, Cherki has made a name for himself with his flair, creativity, and confidence on the ball.
Since breaking into the Lyon first team, he has regularly drawn comparisons to some of France’s most gifted attacking players.
His dual nationality has also placed him at the heart of a growing trend of dual-heritage players facing difficult choices between national teams.
With no indication of when or how Cherki will decide, both the French and Algerian football federations will be watching closely.
For now, though, the young talent seems content to let his performances on the pitch do the talking.
