OHHH MY WORD, RAYAN CHERKIIIII SCORES on his Premier League debut. What a goal.

Rayan Cherki couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to life in the Premier League. On his debut for Manchester City, the Frenchman announced himself in spectacular fashion, scoring a stunning goal that had fans and pundits alike leaping out of their seats. It was the kind of strike that instantly makes headlines, the type of goal that defines a first impression.

Coming off the bench in the second half against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Cherki immediately looked lively. But few inside the Etihad could have predicted the moment of brilliance that was to follow. With just under ten minutes left on the clock, the 21-year-old picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area, twisted past his marker with supreme ease, and fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner. The roar that followed said it all—City fans knew they were witnessing something special.

For Cherki, this goal was more than just a debut strike. It was a statement. Manchester City have long been on the lookout for a playmaker to inherit the creative responsibilities vacated by Jack Grealish’s departure, and Cherki, wearing the No. 10 shirt, looks every bit the part. There was flair in his movement, composure in his finish, and a touch of audacity that instantly reminded fans why Pep Guardiola was so eager to bring him to Manchester.

The Frenchman arrived from Lyon over the summer, where he had already built a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. Known for his silky dribbling and ability to create something out of nothing, Cherki was the heartbeat of Lyon’s attack last season. He not only topped Ligue 1’s assist charts but also shone in Europe, where his creativity and boldness on the ball earned him accolades and attention from top clubs.

City, never ones to pass on prodigious talent, swooped in and secured his signature in June. Many wondered how quickly he would adapt to English football, with its intensity and physicality often proving challenging for newcomers. Yet on the evidence of this debut, Cherki looks like a player ready to embrace the challenge. His confidence with the ball at his feet was evident from his very first touch, and his goal showed the kind of quality that can light up a season.

Pep Guardiola, who is known for his tactical demands and high standards, will no doubt be delighted. The Catalan coach has built teams around gifted playmakers before, and with Cherki’s two-footed skill and versatility, City have gained yet another weapon in their already stacked arsenal. Whether deployed on the wings, as an attacking midfielder, or drifting centrally, Cherki’s unpredictability makes him a nightmare for defenders.

Fans on social media erupted after the match, with clips of his debut goal spreading rapidly. The reaction wasn’t just about the finish—it was about the flair and fearlessness of a young player seizing his moment. For supporters, it felt like the beginning of something new, a glimpse of a star who could become central to City’s future.

And this wasn’t the first time Cherki has dazzled on a debut. Only a few months ago, he made his senior bow for France in the Nations League semi-final against Spain, where he scored a remarkable volley and set up another goal. That night, he joined an elite list of French players who both scored and assisted on their debut. Now, with Manchester City, he’s repeated the trick—showing once again that big stages don’t intimidate him.

Statistically, too, Cherki’s profile is impressive. Last season, his progressive carries and dribbling numbers were among the very best in Ligue 1, outshining even some of PSG’s stars. What makes him unique is his ability to dictate tempo while still producing highlight-reel moments. It’s a rare blend of creativity and efficiency—exactly what Guardiola’s system thrives on.

The Premier League season is long, and no player is judged by one match alone. But sometimes a debut tells a story, and Cherki’s first outing in sky blue could hardly have gone any better. His goal was not just a strike—it was an introduction, a declaration that he has arrived on English soil ready to entertain, inspire, and deliver.

As the final whistle blew and fans filed out of the Etihad, there was only one name on their lips: Rayan Cherki. If this is the beginning of his journey at Manchester City, then the future looks dazzlingly bright.

OHHH MY WORD, Rayan Cherki scores on his Premier League debut. What a goal indeed.