Rayan Cherki does not want to hear about the Ballon d’Or just yet. After making a strong start to the season with Manchester City and establishing himself more firmly in the France squad, the former Lyon player insists he is not chasing individual awards. At 23, his main priority remains enjoying himself on the pitch.
Rayan Cherki’s talent has never really been in doubt. Capable of spectacular skills and making the difference with the ball at his feet, the attacking midfielder appears to have reached a new level since moving to England. With three goals in five Premier League matches this season, Cherki has made an impressive start with Manchester City, while his performances have also helped him take on a bigger role with France.
Cherki: “I don’t dream of the Ballon d’Or”
So is he already starting to dream big? Not necessarily. Asked about the Ballon d’Or on Téléfoot on Sunday, the Frenchman quickly played down the idea. “No, I don’t dream of the Ballon d’Or, not right now. I’m a player who loves football,” Cherki said. “I’m not here to play politics or make calculations. I’m here to be myself.” His comments reflect the image he wants to project: that of a footballer more interested in the game itself than in the individual campaigns that increasingly surround major awards.
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For now, Cherki therefore prefers to stay away from discussions about the prestigious individual trophy. At only 23, he still has plenty of time to reconsider his ambitions. His immediate challenge is to maintain his performances with Manchester City and continue growing in importance for France. His spectacular style and ability to create something in tight spaces already make him one of the most entertaining French players to watch when he is confident.
But Cherki has no intention of turning his progress into a personal quest. No calculations, no individual campaign and certainly no obsession with the Ballon d’Or: the Frenchman simply wants to keep playing the way he always has. If his performances continue at this level, discussions about individual awards may eventually come naturally. For now, Cherki clearly prefers to let others do the talking.
