He hits, he shines, he knocks on the door of the first team: Nico O’reilly causes a sensation at Manchester City.
Manchester City’s academy has repeatedly produced top talents in recent years-with Nico O’reilly, the next big promise seems ready for the breakthrough.
The young offensive midfielder has been causing a sensation for months, be it with spectacular goals, outstanding moves or his fine left foot. Anyone who followed the 19-year-old in the youth teams knew early on: there is someone who can make the difference.
Nico O’reilly is on the way up
The breakthrough in the FA Cup
O’Reilly scored his first goal for the professional team in January in the FA Cup against Salford City. But he really moved into the spotlight in early March 2025 when he led the Citizens with a double pack against Plymouth Argyle to the quarter -finals of the FA Cup.
The game started difficult – City dominated the game, but was surprisingly behind in the 38th minute. Shortly before the half -time break, O’Reilly struck: After a precise flank from Kevin de Bruyne, he climbed up in the penalty area and headed the ball into the stitches. An important goal that brought City back into play.
But that’s not all. In the 76th minute, when Plymouth defended with man and mouse, it was again O’Reilly who made the difference. Again it was a cross from de Bruyne and again the youngster prevailed in the air – this time with a powerful header in the far corner.
After his double pack, O’Reilly was confident: “It is an incredible feeling to meet. We want to go all the way. “
From the academy to the first team
O’Relly’s way from the Manchester Cities youth academy to the first team reads like a modern football fairy tale.
At the age of eight, he joined the renowned City Football Academy and has been going through all the club’s youth teams since then. His talent was not unnoticed and so in December 2022 he was invited to travel to Abu Dhabi with the first team to the training camp.
This experience was invaluable for the young player. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, he was able to demonstrate his skills and learn from the routiners.
In the U18 he was one of the key players at winning the U18 Premier League.
He drew attention to himself with goals that went viral-including a sensational scorpion kick against Middlesbrough and a 40-meter lever against Manchester United’s U18.
Another highlight of his young career followed in August 2024 when he made his debut in the first team in the prestigious Fa Community Shield against Manchester United.
You should have it on the note
The Brit brings everything a modern midfielder needs: an outstanding technique, a strong passing game, a dangerous conclusion and the eye for his teammates.
Despite his youth, he plays with a remarkable calm and maturity. His Torriacher and his understanding of the game could make him a central component in midfield by Manchester City in the coming years.
And coach Pep Guardiola? It should be more than satisfied with his development.
Maybe you will soon see the Youngster regularly in the Premier League – and who knows, maybe the young talent will become the next star of ManCity.