Rayan Cherki dedicates France victory to Zidane

Rayan Cherki dedicated France’s victory to Zinedine Zidane, making the former France player the central figure in his message after the result. The tribute was the defining detail attached to Cherki’s celebration of the national team’s success.

Cherki is 23 and plays as an attacking midfielder. He has French and Algerian nationality and is currently with Manchester City. His move from Lyon to the English club was completed in the 2025-26 season for €36.50 million.

The transfer followed Cherki’s progression through Lyon’s system. He moved from Lyon’s youth team to the club’s Under-19 side in 2018-19, then from the Under-19s to Lyon B in 2019-20 before reaching the senior Lyon team in the same campaign. Manchester City now value him at €90 million.

His listed medical record includes thigh problems and a muscle injury. Those details provide background to the player, but the immediate significance of this France result is Cherki’s decision to associate it with Zidane. No league table position or form sequence is provided for this international victory, so its sporting consequence is limited here to France’s win and Cherki’s tribute.