Rayan Cherki Officially Wears Number 10 at Manchester City: A Symbol of Creativity and Big Responsibility Rayan Cherki Officially Wears Number 10 at Manchester City: A Symbol of Creativity and Big Responsibility
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14.08.2025
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Manchester City Rayan Cherki

Rayan Cherki Officially Wears Number 10 at Manchester City: A Symbol of Creativity and Big Responsibility

Lorina Sofi
Lorina Sofi
Rayan Cherki Officially Wears Number 10 at Manchester City: A Symbol of Creativity and Big Responsibility

Rayan Cherki has officially become the new owner of Manchester City’s number 10 shirt for the 2025/26 season. This change comes after Jack Grealish left the club on loan to Everton on August 14, 2025. The decision is more than just a jersey number swap — it carries a deep meaning in football tradition, especially at a club the size of City.

From Number 29 to Number 10

When Cherki first joined Manchester City in the summer of 2024, he chose to wear number 29, which he kept throughout the 2024/25 season, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. According to mancity.com, the number 29 shirt had last been worn by Richard Wright until 2016 before being revived for Cherki.

Official club merchandise during that time also featured Cherki’s name with number 29, while Sports Mole confirmed he wore it during the tournament.

Things changed in August 2025. Jack Grealish’s departure left the number 10 shirt — long associated with the England midfielder — vacant. The club decided to hand it to Cherki, a move confirmed by outlets such as TalkSport, Republic World, and the player’s official Wikipedia page.

The Meaning of Number 10 in Football

The number 10 shirt has a long history and strong identity in football. It is almost always linked to playmakers, attacking midfielders, or the team’s primary creative force — the ones who control the flow of the game, create chances, and often become the club’s icons.

At Manchester City, number 10 has been worn by stars such as Sergio Agüero, Leroy Sané, and most recently, Jack Grealish. Giving this shirt to Cherki is no small gesture — it signals that he is part of City’s long-term plan as a central creative figure.

High Expectations for Cherki

By wearing number 10, Cherki now carries significant expectations. Pep Guardiola is known for attaching symbolic meaning to squad numbers, using them to send a message to players and fans alike. This number suggests Cherki is expected to:

  • Be the driving force in City’s attack from midfield or the wing.
  • Replace the creative output previously provided by Grealish.
  • Add a new dimension to City’s game with his vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.

As a young talent with flair and high creativity, Cherki will be one of the most closely watched players in the Premier League this season.

Comparing to City’s Past Number 10s

Looking back, those who wore number 10 for City often had pivotal roles:

  • Sergio Agüero – Goal machine and club legend.
  • Leroy Sané – Explosive winger with blistering pace and skill.
  • Jack Grealish – Chance creator with elegant ball control.

Cherki faces a big challenge to match — or surpass — these achievements. However, his youth gives him time to develop under Guardiola’s guidance.

Symbolism and Psychology Behind the Number

Handing the number 10 shirt to Cherki also carries a psychological effect. For Cherki, it is a clear show of faith from the club and manager, serving as motivation to deliver consistent performances.

For teammates and supporters, it sends a message that City believe they have found the creative heartbeat to fill the void left by one of their stars.

Fans’ and Media’s Reactions

City fans on social media have reacted with a mix of excitement and caution. Some fully back the move, calling Cherki the perfect fit for number 10. Others feel it may be too soon, given he has only spent one season at the club. Most, however, agree that he has huge potential to become an Etihad icon.

English outlets such as TalkSport described the move as “a statement of intent” for Cherki, while Republic World called it “a bold step showing the club’s immense trust in the young player.”

Rayan Cherki’s journey from number 29 to number 10 at Manchester City is a story of trust, expectation, and symbolism in football. Number 10 is not just a number on a shirt — it is a declaration that Cherki is now at the heart of City’s creativity and spotlight.

With youth, talent, and Pep Guardiola’s guidance, Cherki has the chance to write his name among City’s most successful number 10s. Whether he can live up to that legacy will depend on how he meets the weight of the expectations now resting on his shoulders.