Rayan Cherki Targets The Ballon D'Or After Officially Becoming A Manchester City Player

JAKARTA - Rayan Cherki said he hoped Manchester City could provide a platform to win the Ballon d'Or after his move from Lyon.

The 21-year-old joined The Citizens for an initial fee of 30.6 million ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup.

After impressed for Lyon last season, and made his international debut for France against Spain earlier this month, he is considered one of the most talented young players in the world.

He also hopes to fulfill his potential at the Etihad Stadium and follow in the footsteps of his new teammate, Rodri, with one day crowned the best in the world.

"When you look at Rodri, he won the Ballon d'Or here," Cherki said in an interview at Manchester City's training base in Florida.

"It's clear that with Manchester City it's possible and I'm here for this. I want to win and I think Manchester City want to win everything. For me, it's better," he said.

Cherki will make his Manchester City debut against Morocco's Wydad AC in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

In addition, he has also made supporters happy by saying he wants to maintain Manchester City's dominance over Manchester United's rivals once the Premier League season begins.

Cherki was involved in Lyon's dramatic game in the Europa League at Old Trafford where Manchester United bounced back from 2-4 in extra time to win 5-4.

At one point during that incredible game, Cherki seemed to signal home fans after scoring goals that saw Lyon -- playing with 10 people -- a 3-2 lead.

"I'm here to win all the games. I didn't like it when Manchester United won the game against Lyon because I was a Lyonnais (one who was born or lives in Lyon)."

"Now I'm waiting for the match (to) kill them," Cherki said when asked about the incident.

While Cherki has no doubt about talent, there are questions about how he will fit into Guardiola's system.

There is room for creative attackers after Kevin De Bruyne's departure.

However, Cherki has faced criticism of the past for his lack of persistence when his team did not control the ball - something Guardiola demanded.

"Pep told me, when you have the ball, you are free. It's very good for me because it's my main quality to help the team."

"When I talk to Pep, he wants me. He is very, very clear. The system, club, the city is very good."

"I talked to Pep about my position on the pitch. We talked about what I enjoyed while on the pitch," he said.