Rico Lewis: Manchester City’s Rising and Impressive Star

Rico Lewis  is one of the most exciting young players that ply their trade in the English Premier League along the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer.

Despite his young career, he is already a serial winner, winning several trophies with Manchester City. He future under Pep Guardiola ensures that Lewis will continue to set new records and reach greater heights in football.

Player Profile – Rico Mark Lewis

Rico Lewis is a highly promising English footballer who plays for Manchester City. His career began at City’s academy, where he quickly rose through the ranks, captaining the under-18 team to a Premier League title.

Lewis made his senior debut in August 2022 and gained widespread recognition after scoring on his first Champions League start, becoming City’s youngest-ever scorer in the competition.

He played a significant role in City’s 2022-23 treble-winning season, contributing to their Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League victories.

Internationally, he has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior debut in November 2023. With his rapid development and strong performances, Lewis is poised for a bright future in both club and international football.

Player Profile Overview

Rico Lewis’ Early Life and Background

Rico Mark Lewis was born on November 21, 2004, in Bury, Greater Manchester, grew up in a supportive family with strong work ethics.

Although his roots are in Bury, a town known for producing several England internationals, Rico’s path differed from other famous Bury-born footballers like Gary and Phil Neville.

His father, who owned a gym, played a key role in nurturing his early passion for football. Inspired by Muhammad Ali, Rico developed determination and resilience.

At age seven, he joined Manchester City’s academy, fulfilling a lifelong dream as a City fan. Of Jamaican descent, Rico’s steady progress in the academy led to him captaining the under-18 team and eventually breaking into the first team under Pep Guardiola.

Rico Lewis’ Playing Style and Strength

Rico Lewis is a versatile footballer who primarily plays as a right-back but is also comfortable in central midfield. He is known for his strong defensive skills, pace, and ability to support both defense and attack, he excels at reading the game, intercepting passes, and delivering crosses.

In midfield, his technical skills and calmness under pressure allow him to dictate play and maintain possession. His adaptability and tactical awareness make him a valuable asset for both his club and the England national team.

Rico Lewis: Rising Star of Manchester City

Rico Lewis began his footballing journey at an early age, joining the Manchester City academy at the tender age of eight. The club, known for nurturing young talent, recognized Lewis’s potential early on.

As he developed through the ranks, he showcased his versatility, predominantly playing as a right-back but also displaying the ability to operate in midfield—a trait that would later prove invaluable.

Throughout his time in City’s youth setup, Lewis was part of a golden generation of players. He played alongside other highly regarded prospects such as Cole Palmer, forming strong partnerships that would be crucial as they progressed through the youth teams.

His time with the academy was marked by significant development, both technically and tactically, as he embraced the club’s philosophy of possession-based, attacking football.

Breakthrough into Senior Football

Rico Lewis’s transition to senior football came during the 2022-2023 season. At just 17 years old, he was handed his first-team debut by Pep Guardiola in a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Sevilla on November 2, 2022.

In that game, Lewis announced himself on the big stage by scoring a stunning goal, becoming the youngest player in Champions League history to score on their first start in the competition. This moment was a statement of intent and a clear indication of his readiness for the highest level.

His breakthrough season saw him make several appearances for the first team, often filling in at right-back or even stepping into midfield when required.

Rico Lewis’s calmness on the ball, tactical intelligence, and willingness to push forward made him an asset to Guardiola’s side, and his performances did not go unnoticed.

Notable Moments and Career Highlights

One of Rico Lewis’s most notable moments in his fledgling career was his aforementioned Champions League debut and goal. This achievement not only cemented his place in the annals of Manchester City’s history but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure on one of football’s biggest stages.

Throughout the 2022-2023 season, Lewis also made his Premier League debut, further solidifying his position within the first-team squad.

His performances were characterized by maturity beyond his years, as he seamlessly integrated into a team filled with world-class talent.

Rico Lewis’ ability to play in multiple positions and adapt to different roles within Guardiola’s tactical framework earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike. He is also part of the Manchester City Squad that won the premier league for the unprecedented fourth time in a row.

Playing with Some of The Best in the World

During his time at Manchester City, Rico Lewis has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the best players in world football.

He played with Kevin De Bruyne, The Belgian maestro, who is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. Lewis also played with prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

The Englishman played with another product of Manchester City’s youth academy, Phil Foden, whose rise to stardom serves as a blueprint for Rico Lewis. Ruben Dias is another elite player Rico Lewis has played with .

The Portuguese center-back has been a defensive leader at Manchester City, and his experience and mentorship have been invaluable to Lewis.

Future Prospects

As Rico Lewis continues to develop, the future looks exceptionally bright. His versatility, composure, and footballing intelligence make him a perfect fit for Manchester City’s style of play.

Under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola and surrounded by world-class teammates, Lewis is well-positioned to become a mainstay in City’s first team for years to come.

With his career still in its infancy, the young defender’s journey is one to watch. Rico Lewis’s rise from the Manchester City academy to the brink of stardom is a testament to his hard work, determination, and undeniable talent.

As he continues to grow, both as a player and as a person, the football world will undoubtedly be hearing a lot more about Rico Lewis.

Rico Lewis: Playing on the International Stage

Rico Lewis began his international journey with England at the U16 level, where he quickly established himself as a reliable and dynamic presence in defense.

His ability to play both as a right-back and in central midfield made him a valuable asset to the team. During his time with the U16s, Lewis played alongside notable teammates such as Kobbie Mainoo and Sonny Perkins. His performances caught the attention of the England U17 coaches, leading to his promotion to the U17 squad.

At the U17 level, Lewis continued to impress, playing in several key tournaments, including the UEFA European U17 Championship. He was part of a talented squad featuring players like Samuel Iling-Junior and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Rico Lewis’ consistent performances earned him a call-up to the England U19 team, where he played alongside rising stars such as Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett.

He played a crucial role in England’s qualification for the 2023 UEFA European U19 Championship, helping the team secure a spot in the tournament with his solid defensive displays and occasional forays into the midfield.

Making His Three Lions Debut

Rico Lewis’ impressive performances at the youth level did not go unnoticed, and he eventually earned a call-up to the England senior squad.

His senior debut came in a friendly match against a top-tier European side, where he played alongside seasoned internationals like Declan Rice and Harry Kane. Despite his young age, Lewis displayed maturity beyond his years, holding his own against some of the best players in the world.

Rico Lewis made his senior debut for England in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying against North Macedonia, as England claimed top seeding at Euro 2024.

Although his international career is young, Rico Lewis has had the opportunity to play alongside some of England’s brightest talents, including Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden.

Rico Lewis’ international career is still in its early stages, but his journey through the youth ranks and his impactful performances at the senior level suggest that he has a bright future ahead of him in the England setup.

Idols and Influence in Football

Rico Lewis has drawn inspiration from several figures throughout his life and career, with his father playing a pivotal role in his early development. His father, who owned a gym, encouraged and guided Rico without forcing him, helping to shape his footballing journey.

As for footballing heroes, Lewis has mentioned João Cancelo and Kyle Walker as significant influences, admiring their versatility and skill in the full-back position. He also looks up to former Barcelona star Dani Alves, who was known for his attacking prowess and defensive reliability.

Who Does Rico Lewis Play Like?

Rico Lewis’s calmness, creativity, and versatility have drawn comparisons to his Portuguese teammate João Cancelo. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Lewis acknowledged these comparisons but emphasized his focus on his own development.

He noted that while he admires Cancelo’s ability to transition between full-back and midfield roles, he strives to carve out his own unique path in football.

Rico Lewis appreciates Cancelo’s style of play as it mirrors aspects of his own game, but he remains dedicated to refining his skills and making his own mark on the sport.

Rico Lewis Personal Life

His supportive family has played a crucial role in his development. His father, Rick Lewis, is a prominent figure in Muay Thai, serving as the Director of Phoenix Muay Thai and previously working as a consultant. Rick’s influence, including his mentorship from Muay Thai legends, significantly shaped Rico’s career.

His mother, Stephanie Lewis, has been a steadfast supporter, helping Rico balance his football career with academic commitments. Rico’s sister, Sacha Lewis, also shares a passion for sports, playing as a right-back for Manchester City’s girls’ team.

Conclusion

Despite his young age, Rico Lewis has already made a significant impact in the world of football. His rapid ascent from Manchester City’s academy to becoming a key player in a treble-winning season demonstrates his exceptional talent and potential.

As he continues to develop and gain experience, his contributions to both Manchester City and the England national team underscore his promise as a future star in global football.