In January, aged 16 years and 5 months, Rayan Cherki explodes in the eyes of France football. 2 goals, 2 assists, the young striker from Lyon showered Nantes in the Coupe de France at Beaujoire (4-3). “Do not talk too much about age eh,” post in the wake on Twitter a certain … Kylian Mbappé. In terms of precocity, the world champion knows what he is talking about.
This wink hides a real esteem between two young men who appreciate each other. “Rayan has a lot of respect for Kylian, blows another young player from the Lyon locker room, close to Cherki. He appreciates his freshness, his ability to manage everything that is happening around him, his way of communicating too. Well, obviously the player’s crazy talent too (laughs). “
Along with the relationship between the two prodigies, their entourage has been exchanging regularly for several months. A bond of trust was born between the two families. Little advice is given here and there, on external management or on communication. Each clan is keen to maintain real discretion in these discussions. Rayan Cherki is still very young, he will celebrate his 17th birthday on August 17th. And comparing him to Kylian Mbappé could only serve him. For the Lyonnais and his relatives, there is no question of cutting corners.
“It is only positive if Rayan can draw inspiration from Mbappé’s path”
At OL, in any case, this “relationship” is very well seen. “Mbappé is very well surrounded. He manages his image, his communication well, he is popular with children. Some young people are not very well surrounded and this quickly worsens them in terms of image or career choices, blows a member of the Lyon club. It is only positive if Rayan can draw inspiration from Mbappé’s path. Afterwards, he will make his own way, write his own story, but Mbappé is a great example. “
Last summer, when he was not yet 16, Cherki signed his first professional contract with OL. He has since extended until 2023 when many big European clubs already wanted to snatch him from Lyon. Jean-Michel Aulas and his advisers appreciate the management of the family, very united around the 3rd of a family of 5 boys. A very present, very considerate entourage. Like that of the star of PSG.
