Writers 
Zinedine Zidane has spoken highly of Rayan Cherki, praising the French midfielder’s creativity, passing ability and intelligence on the pitch. The former France international said he would have loved to play alongside a player with Cherki’s qualities during his own playing career.
Zidane, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, highlighted Cherki’s ability to see and execute passes that can change the course of a game. According to Zidane, the young Frenchman possesses the kind of imagination and technical quality that makes him particularly exciting to watch.
“I would have loved to play with a player like Rayan Cherki when I was a player,” Zidane said. His comments underline the level of admiration he has for Cherki, particularly given Zidane’s own experience as a creative midfielder who was renowned for his technique, vision and ability to operate between the lines.
Zidane also pointed to an important part of Cherki’s game that can sometimes be overlooked. While the midfielder is known for his work with the ball, the former Real Madrid manager noted that Cherki also understands how to contribute when possession is not in his team’s hands.
“He finds such incredible passes, and he even knows how to play without the ball,” Zidane added. The observation suggests that Cherki’s game is not based solely on his individual skills but also on his understanding of movement, positioning and the demands of modern football.
Cherki has developed a reputation for his creativity and technical ability, particularly when operating in advanced areas of the pitch. His close control allows him to navigate tight spaces, while his vision gives him the ability to find teammates in positions that are difficult for opposing defenders to anticipate.
For a player to receive such praise from Zidane is significant because the former France captain was himself celebrated for his ability to create opportunities and dictate attacking moves. Zidane’s assessment therefore draws attention to the similarities in the creative qualities that have made Cherki an increasingly interesting figure in French football.
The former Real Madrid star went even further in his description of the midfielder, simply calling him a “baller.” Zidane repeated the phrase for emphasis, saying: “He’s a baller, a real baller.” The remark reflects his appreciation of Cherki’s natural footballing ability and the entertainment value of his style.
Cherki’s development will now be closely followed as he continues to establish himself at the highest level. The expectations surrounding technically gifted young players can be considerable, but Zidane’s comments provide another indication of the respect Cherki has earned from one of France’s most celebrated football figures.
While comparisons with legendary players can create pressure, Cherki will ultimately have to build his own career and maintain consistency on the pitch. His ability to combine creativity with work without the ball could become an important part of his continued development.
Zidane’s comments have nevertheless added to the growing recognition surrounding Cherki. Coming from a player who spent much of his career producing moments of individual brilliance and outstanding passing, the praise highlights the qualities that make the French midfielder stand out.
For Cherki, the comments from Zidane represent a strong endorsement of his footballing talent. As he continues to develop, fans will be watching to see how far his creativity, vision and technical ability can take him at the highest level of the game.
