Rayan Cherki is rapidly becoming the talk of the France national team, with one international team-mate left stunned by his technical ability. The Manchester City playmaker has transitioned seamlessly to the elite level, drawing high praise from those playing alongside him for Les Bleus.
We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.
Rayan Cherki scored a memorable goal, but a much-changed France side couldn't hold onto the lead as they dropped their first World Cup warmup game to the Ivory Coast, 2-1. Manager Didier Deschamps made plenty of changes, yet still named a strong side. Despite some bright moments, Les Bleus weren't able to piece together a complete performance - and were made to pay.
France are preparing to head across the Atlantic in search of World Cup glory, but the squad has already managed to go viral before touching down in the United States. During a formal photo session with President Emmanuel Macron, Manchester City star Rayan Cherki stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Rayan Cherki is being backed to justify comparisons with Zinedine Zidane, as Louis Saha tells GOAL why the enigmatic Manchester City playmaker can become even better now that Pep Guardiola has left the Etihad Stadium. The most demanding of coaches helped to keep a tight leash on Cherki, but the World Cup-bound midfielder should benefit from a little more leeway when working under a new manager in the Premier League.
The European football season is almost over. Just one game remains - the Champions League final, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to do battle in Budapest on Saturday. Both sides come into the game having won their own domestic titles, with PSG looking to defend the crown they won for the first time last season, while the Gunners are aiming to secure their first European Cup.
The 2025-26 European season is almost in the books. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will face off in Saturday's Champions League final after both secured league titles in England and France, respectively, while there was joy for Bayern Munich in Germany and Inter in Italy as both won domestic doubles. Rounding out the 'Big Five' leagues, Barcelona successfully defended their crown in La Liga as Real Madrid tailed off in chaotic circumstances.
And there we have it: another Premier League season is in the books. It was a campaign that delivered at both ends of the table, with both the title race and the desperate fight for survival going right down to the wire in a nerve-shredding conclusion for fans of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and West Ham. Ultimately, it was the Gunners who tasted glory for the first time in 22 long years, while the Hammers suffered the heartbreak of relegation on the final day.
And there you have it - the 2025-26 Premier League season is over. Arsenal are the champions while West Ham have been relegated alongside Wolves and Burnley as Tottenham secured survival on the final day. While the football hasn't always been the most scintillating, it's been a campaign full of twists and turns at both ends of the table, making it difficult to predict any result given the increased parity among the teams in the English top-flight.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
Manchester City star Rayan Cherki managed to secure a unique souvenir following his side's FA Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley. While receiving his winner's medal, the French winger stopped Prince William for a cheeky selfie that has since gone viral on social media.
Bacary Sagna believes Manchester City star Rayan Cherki has the talent to win the Ballon d'Or one day. The former defender praised the French playmaker’s flair and creativity, comparing his style to the entertaining street footballers of Brazil.
Pep Guardiola has reacted to viral footage showing Rayan Cherki training in a boxing ring. The Manchester City boss joked about the winger's “scary” skills while praising the Frenchman’s impact during his first season at the club.
Paul Dickov has explained to GOAL why there is a “brilliant love-hate relationship” between Rayan Cherki and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The “cheeky” France international playmaker has become a fan favourite at the Etihad Stadium, but some antics do not sit well with his demanding manager. There is, however, plenty of mutual respect between the pair and Cherki is considered to boast “scary” potential.
Manchester City star Rayan Cherki has received the ultimate praise from a peer, with Villarreal forward Georges Mikautadze claiming the Frenchman is a superior talent to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The bold comparison comes as Cherki continues to cement his reputation as one of the most exciting creative forces in world football.
Arsenal fans love to chant, 'Tottenham Hotspur it's happening again' every time their north London rivals suffer a big defeat. But despite enjoying endless fun laughing at their relegation-threatened neighbours this season, the Gunners are heading for their own deja-vu-laced nightmare after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side gave it their all in the unmissable title showdown, but there was a familiar feeling once the final whistle went.
