Rayan Cherki is back… in a whole new version. After suffering a thigh injury in late August, the Manchester City playmaker didn’t just recover — he reinvented himself. During his time off, the Frenchman reshaped his body, and the results are striking.
Leaner, sharper, and far more athletic, Cherki now looks nothing like the player who arrived from Lyon. The transformation has lit up social media: slimmer face, defined upper body — the extra weight is gone.
This comes after Erling Haaland’s viral jab, when he jokingly said:
“Donnarumma didn’t want to sit with me, now I have to sit with the fat Frenchman, Schjerki.”
Message received. Under Pep Guardiola’s relentless standards, Cherki has stepped up.
A New Weapon for Guardiola?
This physical evolution could redefine his future at City. With renewed determination and Premier League-level conditioning, Cherki is ready to fight for his place in one of the most competitive squads in Europe.
From questioned talent to potential secret weapon… is this the true beginning of Cherki’s rise?
Next chapter: the pitch. And this time, he’s ready.
🏋️ La transition physique de Rayan Cherki entre Lyon et Man CITY 😳
Grosse saison en préparation pour le Cityzen ☄️ pic.twitter.com/9iTKXGBa6w
— Le Footballistique 🗞️⚽️ (@LFootbalistique) October 17, 2025