Cherki speaks on Ballon d’Or as Zidane relies on Camavinga

France midfielder Rayan Cherki has indicated that winning the Ballon d’Or is not on his priority list.

The 23-year-old is also among those players whom many consider capable of one day winning the ultimate individual honor. 

Cherki, who joined Manchester City from Lyon, is coming off a successful first season in England, scoring 10 goals and 15 assists in 52 matches.

The frontrunners for the award include Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Harry Kane. 

Debate over the Ballon d’Or has filled newspaper headlines around the world. 

Cherki, who is a teammate of five of the 30 nominees for the 2026 edition, is considered by many capable of one day winning the ultimate individual honor. 

“Do I dream of it? Not right now…,” the playmaker told Téléfoot.

The Lyon academy graduate said he loves football and isn’t ready to play political games or do calculations.

Cherki has started his season at the English club in top form, scoring four goals and recording two assists in eight matches.

In a related development, indications suggest France manager Zinedine Zidane will rely on Eduardo Camavinga to lift team spirit after skipper Kylian Mbappé suffered nan injury during the international break.

Didier Deschamps dropped the Real Madrid midfielder for this summer’s World Cup. He is also fresh from a turbulent transfer window, during which his name was linked with rumors of a move away from Real Madrid.

After the transfer window closed, the midfielder has found his way back to Clairefontaine.

As he aims to establish a long-term place in the group, L’Équipe reported that Zidane values both his profile and his experience, which he considers precious for building his France team.

It’s is no coincidence,, as the former Les Bleus number 10  was instrumental in securing his move to Los Merengue in the summer of 2021s.

Camavinga has since experienced several highs and numerous lows, struggling with recurring injuries and rlackluster performances that have left him closer to the bench than the starting eleven. 

The former Stade Rennais FC player has become a regular since the José Mourinho arrived as Real Madrid manager, making two starts in six appearances and and logging 240 minutes of playing time since the start of the season.