Manchester City have officially turned a new page in their storied history with the announcement that Rayan Cherki will inherit the iconic No.10 shirt for the 2025/26 season.

This decision follows the loan departure of Jack Grealish to Everton, ending his four-year spell wearing the revered number at the Etihad Stadium.

Cherki’s appointment as the successor to this legendary shirt number signals the club’s ambition to usher in a fresh era of creativity and flair under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the Premier League and on the European stage.

The No.10 shirt at Manchester City carries a rich legacy, having been worn by club legends such as Sergio Agüero, Edin Džeko, and most recently Jack Grealish.

For Cherki, a 21-year-old French playmaker renowned for his dazzling dribbling and visionary passing, inheriting this number is both an honor and a significant challenge.

His arrival from Lyon, where he scored 12 goals and provided 22 assists in 44 appearances during the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, has been met with excitement from fans and pundits alike.

The transfer, finalized in June 2025 for a reported €36 million plus add-ons, reflects Manchester City’s clear intent to bolster their attacking options following a trophyless 2024/25 campaign and the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, one of the greatest playmakers in the club’s history.

Cherki’s early outings for City have already hinted at his potential to live up to the No.10’s prestige.

During the FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States, he made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club in a 6-0 rout of Al Ain and featuring in all four matches.

Initially assigned the No. 29 shirt for the tournament, his subsequent elevation to No.

10 underscores Guardiola’s confidence in his ability to become a central figure within the squad.

The Frenchman’s technical prowess, two-footed ability, and knack for unlocking defenses with pinpoint passes have drawn comparisons to former City star Ali Benarbia, who recently praised Cherki by stating, “He is maybe better than I was at that age.”

The timing of Cherki’s arrival aligns perfectly with Manchester City’s ongoing squad rebuild.

After a challenging season, Guardiola has overseen a strategic overhaul, bringing in fresh talent like Tijjani Reijnders and reintegrating key players such as Rodri.

Cherki’s versatility to operate as a central playmaker or on the wings adds a dynamic dimension to City’s attack, complementing stars like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku.

However, with fierce competition for places, Cherki will need to adapt quickly to the Premier League’s intensity and physicality.

Experts like Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany have dubbed him a “majestic footballer” and a potential “cheat code” for City, urging Guardiola to give him regular starts to build chemistry with his teammates.

The symbolic weight of the No. 10 shirt places Cherki under intense scrutiny, but his confidence and flair suggest he is ready for the challenge.

In a statement following his transfer, Cherki expressed his excitement: “This is a dream for me.

Joining a club like Manchester City and having the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very special.”

His ambition to develop under Guardiola, a manager renowned for refining raw talent into world-class stars, bodes well for his future.

Guardiola’s reported personal interest in Cherki’s development further highlights the club’s belief in his potential to become a cornerstone of their attacking unit.

As Manchester City prepare for their Premier League opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16, 2025, all eyes will be on Cherki to see if he can make an immediate impact in his new role.

The match at Molineux offers a prime opportunity for the young Frenchman to showcase his flair and justify the faith placed in him.

With the No. 10 shirt comes the expectation to entertain and deliver, a responsibility Cherki appears eager to embrace.

If he can translate his pre-season promise into consistent performances, he could cement his place in City folklore, carrying the legacy of the No. 10 into a bold new era for the club.

Cherki’s ascension to the No. 10 shirt also symbolizes Manchester City’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building for the future.

The club’s academy and scouting network have long been pillars of their success, and Cherki’s signing reflects a blend of experience and youth that Guardiola values highly.

The Frenchman’s style of play—characterized by creativity, agility, and tactical intelligence—fits seamlessly into City’s possession-based philosophy, promising to add a new layer of unpredictability to their attack.

Moreover, Cherki’s presence is expected to bring renewed energy and excitement to the Etihad Stadium, where fans are eager to witness the emergence of a new star.

The No. 10 jersey carries immense expectations, but Cherki’s track record and attitude suggest he is well-equipped to embrace the challenge.

As the season unfolds, his performances will be scrutinized not just for goals and assists, but for his ability to influence games and inspire teammates.

In conclusion, Rayan Cherki’s appointment as Manchester City’s new No. 10 marks a significant milestone in the club’s evolution.

It represents a fusion of legacy and ambition—a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

Under Pep Guardiola’s meticulous guidance, Cherki has the platform to flourish and help Manchester City reclaim their place at the pinnacle of English and European football.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this promising talent can live up to the illustrious number and carve out his own chapter in City’s history.

Fans and football enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely as this exciting new era begins.