Zinedine Zidane has reportedly made a huge statement about Rayan Cherki after the France international produced another decisive performance in the 4–1 comeback victory over Belgium, with the French manager making it clear that the talented attacking midfielder is making it increasingly difficult to leave him on the bench.
Cherki entered the match as a substitute but immediately brought a different level of creativity and attacking intensity to France’s performance. After Belgium had taken the lead, France struggled for much of the match to break through a disciplined defensive block. However, the introduction of Cherki and Michael Olise changed the direction of the game completely.
Cherki eventually scored France’s second goal in the 81st minute, putting the hosts ahead after Désiré Doué had equalised. Michael Olise then added two more goals as France completed a remarkable comeback at the Stade de France.
The performance has sparked fresh discussion over Cherki’s place in Zidane’s starting XI. The midfielder demonstrated exactly why the France coach has placed so much faith in his ability, combining technical quality, movement, creativity and an eagerness to take responsibility in the final third.
Zidane had initially decided to keep Cherki on the bench, but the decision ultimately worked as the substitute helped transform the match. The France manager acknowledged after the game that his substitutions had changed the course of the contest, with the players introduced from the bench making the difference.
For Cherki, the goal was particularly important because he has been adapting to a different role under Zidane. Following the victory, Cherki explained that he has been learning to play as a deeper midfielder and that the new position requires him to play more complete matches while also taking greater responsibility.
The 23-year-old admitted that he had even felt frustrated earlier in the day because he believed he had not taken enough risks in his game. He then promised to be more adventurous against Belgium, and his performance eventually delivered exactly that.
Cherki’s comments also showed the relationship developing between him and Zidane. The player revealed that Zidane encourages him to express himself while still respecting the team’s defensive instructions. That balance appears to be giving Cherki the freedom to showcase the qualities that have made him one of France’s most exciting attacking players.
The Belgium match may therefore become an important turning point in Cherki’s international career.
France had dominated possession before Cherki’s arrival but struggled to convert that control into clear opportunities. Belgium’s compact defensive structure frustrated the hosts and allowed the visitors to protect their advantage for long periods.
Once Cherki entered the match, however, France looked much more dangerous. His movement between the lines created additional problems for the Belgian defence, while his willingness to carry the ball forward gave France another route through the opposition.
His goal in the 81st minute completed the turnaround and gave France the lead for the first time.
The reaction from supporters was immediate, with Cherki’s contribution becoming one of the biggest talking points from the match. His impact also strengthened the argument that he deserves a much more prominent role in Zidane’s plans.
Zidane has already shown that he is willing to make bold decisions with the French national team. Against Belgium, he made significant changes to his starting XI, and the substitutes ultimately delivered the result.
The France manager has repeatedly stressed that the strength of the squad is one of the team’s biggest advantages. The comeback against Belgium provided another example of that depth, with Cherki, Olise and Doué all playing decisive roles.
However, Cherki’s individual performance could create a selection dilemma for Zidane going forward.
If the midfielder continues producing performances of this level, it will become increasingly difficult for the France manager to justify keeping him among the substitutes. His ability to influence matches from different areas of the pitch makes him particularly valuable in a squad filled with attacking talent.
Cherki is also showing that he can contribute beyond simply creating chances. His new role demands more defensive discipline, greater responsibility in possession and an ability to influence the game from deeper positions. His willingness to embrace those demands could make him even more important to Zidane’s tactical plans.
The midfielder himself appears determined to continue improving.
After the Belgium victory, Cherki explained that he has learned to play in a new position during the international break. He also indicated that he enjoys the role and believes he will continue taking more responsibility as he becomes more comfortable with it.
That attitude could be exactly what Zidane wants.
The French manager has inherited a squad packed with elite attacking options, meaning every player must fight for his place. Cherki’s latest performance has demonstrated that he can make an impact even when he does not start, but it has also raised questions about whether he has now done enough to earn a regular starting position.
France’s 4–1 victory was especially impressive because the team had been trailing until the final stages of the match. Belgium took the lead through Dodi Lukebakio in the first half, and France struggled to find an equaliser despite controlling possession.
Everything changed after the substitutions.
Doué levelled the match in the 77th minute before Cherki struck four minutes later. Olise then scored twice to complete the extraordinary comeback.
For Zidane, it was the perfect demonstration of the attacking depth available to him.
For Cherki, it was an opportunity to send a message.
The midfielder showed that he does not need an entire match to influence proceedings. He needed only a limited period on the pitch to help France turn a difficult situation into a comfortable victory.
That is why the conversation surrounding his place in the team is likely to continue.
If Cherki maintains this level of performance, Zidane could soon have a very difficult decision to make whenever he selects his starting XI. The player has already demonstrated that he can change games from the bench, and the next challenge will be proving that he can deliver the same level of influence from the first minute.
The victory over Belgium also strengthened France’s position at the top of their Nations League group. France now have 10 points from four matches after recording three victories and one draw, giving Zidane an extremely positive start to his tenure.
Zidane himself praised the collective performance after the match and highlighted the impact of the players who came onto the pitch. His comments suggested that he sees the entire squad as important rather than relying exclusively on a fixed group of starters.
Nevertheless, Cherki’s performance makes it increasingly difficult to ignore his claims.
The French midfielder has now shown that he can provide creativity, attacking movement and goals while also adapting to Zidane’s tactical instructions. If he continues to combine those qualities, his importance to the national team could grow rapidly.
For now, Zidane has the luxury of having several outstanding attacking options. But Cherki’s latest display has made one thing clear: he is determined to make his case impossible to ignore.
And if he continues doing what he did against Belgium, the question may no longer be whether Rayan Cherki deserves to play for France.
It may soon become whether Zidane can afford to leave him on the bench at all.