France: a Les Bleus legend wants to see Cherki start at the World Cup

World Cup 2026 Today at 11:45

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Defeated by Ivory Coast in Nantes just days before the 2026 World Cup, the French national team still found a reason to be satisfied. With a standout performance, Rayan Cherki made a compelling case for a starting spot.

Despite France's loss to Ivory Coast, one player stood out in Nantes: Rayan Cherki. Exceptionally creative in attack, the Manchester City playmaker scored Les Bleus’ only goal and was a constant threat throughout the match.

Read also: Real Madrid: Florentino Pérez's €150 million player is revealed!

His performance did not go unnoticed by Youri Djorkaeff. The former world champion believes that the 22-year-old has taken a significant step forward in recent months.

“I've been following Cherki for a while now, he’s not far from me, from the Lyon suburbs—we’re practically neighbors. He’s reached a new level.”

The ex-France international went even further regarding Cherki’s potential role at the 2026 World Cup.

“He showed on Thursday that he has what it takes to start and take on responsibility. That’s an added asset. Will he start? Tactically, we’ll see, but in any case, he’s proven that he has the quality and the desire to make his mark,” he told RMC.

Related teams and leagues

France

World Cup