France: ‘A real baller’ – Zidane names French star he would’ve loved to play with

France coach, Zinedine Zidane has named Rayan Cherki as one of the French players he would have loved to play alongside during his playing days.

Zidane, a former France midfielder, said he would have valued the opportunity to play alongside Cherki throughout his professional career.

The former Real Madrid boss has taken on the role of French national team manager, succeeding Didier Deschamps, who served in the position for 14 years.

The French national team currently boasts what is widely regarded as one of the most talented squads in the world.

Although considered strong contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team finished the tournament in fourth place.

Under Zidane’s stewardship, Les Bleus will seek to establish a new chapter of competitive success.

Cherki is expected to become a central figure for the national team under the new manager’s guidance.

Cherki, who played just one match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the third-place playoff, was named in the starting lineup for Zidane’s first match as manager and contributed to France’s 1-0 victory over Turkey.

Zidane said, “I would have loved to play with a player like Rayan Cherki when I was a player. A real baller. He finds such incredible passes, and he even knows how to play without the ball.”

Following his transfer from Lyon last summer, Rayan Cherki has delivered impressive performances for Manchester City.

So far, he has made 15 appearances for the club, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Cherki has also made 15 appearances for France, during which he has scored two goals and provided one assist.