Rayan Cherki: Europe's Most Underrated Young Talent

Ligue 1. The native and first tier of football in France – the so-called ‘Farmers’ League’ by some. Nevertheless, over the years the division has been at the forefront of creating and pushing young talent that would go on to do big things. In recent times, players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Jeremy Doku, and Rafael Leao all sharpen their tools within France before moving on to big things.

In the modern day, France has another crop of young talents coming through the ranks of Ligue 1. Rayan Cherki is a 21-year-old midfielder who currently plays for Olympique Lyon, the French youth international burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old before a brief period of struggles saw him look set to depart the French club after being made available for €20m. However, after a phenomenal 2025, Cherki now sits solidified as one of the most talented youngsters in European football.

From Separated to Star

It was a busy summer for Cherki, representing his country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris before returning for his club’s pre-season. At the age of 21 with potential and European pedigree, the Frenchman was bound to always have transfer interest. Germany was set to be the destination for the OL midfielder, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly agreeing a deal to sign the player. This deal would eventually fall through, and the Frenchman as a result, was cut adrift from his teammates and sent to his academy roots, training away from the first team to avoid injury and aid a possible transfer.

🇫🇷 Rayan Cherki (21) in his last 8 games:

⚽️ 3 goals
🅰️ 10 assists

🤯 pic.twitter.com/VM0VzYofSP

— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) March 13, 2025

Cherki now sits as Lyon’s fourth top scorer and creative outlet as he continues to thrive in the best season of his career to date. Within Ligue 1, the attacking midfielder has netted his most prolific season to date, as the 21-year-old has scored six goals while assisting nine times in 21 appearances. Additionally, Cherki has also been a nightmare to opposition defenders in the UEFA Europa League, scoring two goals and assisting six in nine appearances. Facing Romanian side FCSB in the competition’s round of 16, Lyon sit as one of the Europa League’s favourites to go on and win the trophy.

Creative statistic key to success

While it has been a career-best season in scoring for Cherki, it is not necessarily his signature ability nor his main task on the field. Playing as an attacking winger or off the right flank, Cherki leads Lyon’s chance creation department. Initially making a name for himself due to his flair-driven playstyle, OL’s starlet continues to strive on the ball - sitting above 96% of players in Ligue 1 for dribbles per 90 (4.64) and 98% for successful dribbles per 90 (2.53).

Likewise, Cherki is also one of OL’s assist leaders, boasting 18 assists in all competitions this season. Alongside dribbling, passing and his range of passing have also played a role in the foundations of the Frenchman’s success. Once again, Cherki sits above 96% of players in France’s top division for key passes (3.35), crosses (5.87), and successful crosses (1.64) per 90.

Cherki compared to Europe

There have been plenty of positives throughout the season for Cherki, but his current form would be hard to top, with the attacker scoring or assisting in his last seven games. Not only does he have an abundance of goals and assists to his name, compared to the rest of the league, but the French youth international also sets himself apart through statistics. Alongside Ligue 1 wingers and midfielders, Cherki sits impressively above 99% for touches, 100% for chance creation, 73% for shot attempts, and 66% for goals.

Rayan Cherki has become the first player ever to register 8 assists in a single season in the UEFA Europa League 🇫🇷🪄

(@Statsdufoot) pic.twitter.com/IZQ6RSuxmp

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 13, 2025

At the age of 21, Cherki is placed within a group of several talented young midfielders across Europe. In Germany, after lifting the league title last season, Florian Wirtz has continued to dominate the Bundesliga for Bayern Leverkusen. Within the league season, Wirtz has nine goals and ten assists. Whereas in Spain, one of the world’s biggest current superstars in Jude Bellingham resides, Real Madrid sit top of the La Liga table. Bellingham, not quite having the same impact as last year, has 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions as Madrid build towards becoming a European dynasty.

Destined for stardom

Still, at just 21 years old, it almost feels like Cherki has been known as a player ‘to watch’ for years after making his debut at 16. However, after having an incredible campaign in France and the potential of a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs in the summer. The world is bound to be at the feet of Rayan Cherki.