Rothen Launches Scathing Criticism of Cherki Following France Victory
Paris, France – november 14, 2025 – Former France international Jérôme Rothen delivered a blistering critique of Rayan Cherki’s performance and attitude during yesterday’s 4-0 World Cup qualifying win against Ukraine. Rothen,speaking on RMC Sport,accused the Manchester City player of disrespecting the France jersey with “superfluous gestures” and a concerning lack of effort.
Cherki, who started the match, received a 6/10 rating from Foot Mercato’s editorial staff, and was substituted off in the 68th minute for Maghnes Akliouche. However, it wasn’t Cherki’s technical ability that drew Rothen’s ire, but rather his perceived demeanor. “It’s a huge chance to start in an important match with the France team,” rothen stated. “All the players who play with him are unanimous in saying that he has a lot of talent. I watched all of City’s matches. I was unanimous yesterday before the match (to praise him) in saying that all superfluous gestures, he put them aside.I find that the marriage is perfect with City and Guardiola.”
Rothen contrasted Cherki’s behavior for Manchester city with his display for the national team, questioning his commitment. “Yesterday, he allowed himself to repeat all thes superfluous gestures because he is wearing the French team jersey… Why? Because you don’t respect the France jersey enough unlike City? I hope not. I have doubts about yesterday’s state of mind, about the efforts he is making and about all these gestures which are disgusting.” He specifically referenced a “scarf trick” performed during the match, criticizing the timing given Cherki’s earlier struggles. “When you have missed so many things at the start of the match, when you have slowed down the entire game of the France team, you come and do a scarf trick and you lose control and it goes unnoticed, no one says anything to him.”
Rothen dismissed Cherki’s technical performance as “abominable” and warned that such behavior, if unchecked, could become a pattern. “If no one can tell him,I’ll say it loud and clear. He has the right to be wrong. He burned a joker. When I see Akliouch and Ekitike come in, suddenly, the game becomes clearer.” The win secured France’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
