Rayan Cherki, the talented young attacker from Olympique Lyonnais, finds himself at the center of an international tug-of-war as he continues to impress for France’s U21 team. Despite his strong ties to the French national setup, both Algeria and Italy are intensifying their efforts to secure his allegiance for their respective national teams.
RMC Sport report how the 21-year-old Lyon native has already amassed 20 caps for France’s U21 side, but his international future remains uncertain. Cherki’s multicultural background has opened doors to represent multiple nations at the senior level, with Algeria and Italy both holding legitimate claims to the player.
Italy, in particular, has ramped up its pursuit of Cherki. Following a recent 2-2 draw between the Italian and French U21 teams, the Italian Football Federation reportedly increased its communication with Cherki’s entourage. The Azzurri’s interest stems from Cherki’s Italian heritage through one of his grandfathers, who is believed to have roots in the southern region of Puglia.
Meanwhile, Algeria continues to court Cherki, hoping to convince him to don the colors of the Fennecs. The North African nation has been tracking his progress for some time, leveraging his Franco-Algerian dual nationality as a potential pathway to representing the country of his parents’ origin.
France, however, have not given up on Cherki. The French Football Federation and national team staff are closely monitoring his development, recognizing his potential as a future star for Les Bleus.
Cherki’s performances this season have only increased his appeal. In Ligue 1, he has notched one goal and one assist in seven appearances, while in the Europa League, he has contributed one goal and two assists in four matches. His recent displays for the French U21 side have been particularly impressive, scoring and assisting against Italy and playing a crucial role in turning the tide of the match against Germany.
The young forward’s international experience already includes representing France at various youth levels, from U16 to U21. He was also part of the French Olympic team that secured a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics under the guidance of Thierry Henry.
