He is only 17 years old, is considered the new Zidane and already broke a record in France

He is an offensive midfielder with an awesome technique and performs great enough to make everybody think he is going to be one of the stars of the future. In fact, he is considered the new Zinedine Zidane, being French from Algerian parents as he is also followed by Real Madrid, asked by Zidane himself.

The Spanish club could not sign him before because Rayan Cherki decided to extend his contract with Olympique Lyonnais until 2023 with a release clause of 35 million euro, but he is still in Real Madrid’s radar. This young kid has enjoyed plenty of minutes lately in Lyon first team. And step by step, he has been earning his spot among the regulars.

In the away match against Metz that Lyon won 3-1, Cherki made it into the history records by being sent off near the end, after he accidentally stepped on the keeper Alexandre Oukidja’s knee. With an age of 17 years and 111 days, he became the youngest player ever in receiving a red card in Ligue 1. He had come as a substitute just ten minutes earlier.

Cherki’s name was first ever widely mentioned almost a year ago, when he scored twice and assist also twice in a victory 4-3 against Nantes, when he was only 16. This hot prospect has already represented France at youth level, but if he wanted he could switch allegiances to play for Algeria senior team.