Fans left in stitches by Rayan Cherki’s awkward pose during France’s official World Cup team photo

France have not even arrived in North America for the 2026 World Cup yet, but Rayan Cherki has already become one of the tournament’s first viral sensations.

The Manchester City playmaker stole the spotlight during France’s official pre-World Cup team photograph after supporters spotted his bizarre pose alongside team-mates and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Cherki accidentally steals the show

Les Bleus gathered at Clairefontaine for their traditional send-off ceremony ahead of this summer’s World Cup campaign.

The event was intended to celebrate France’s latest quest for international glory, with the squad posing for an official photograph alongside President Macron.

However, fans quickly noticed Cherki’s unusual positioning in the front row.

While most of his team-mates stood naturally, the 22-year-old appeared frozen in an awkward crouching stance, leading many supporters to question exactly what he was trying to achieve.

The image rapidly spread across social media platforms, with the Manchester City star becoming the unexpected focal point of the entire photo.

Social media erupts

It did not take long for football fans to turn the awkward moment into meme material.

One supporter joked: “Is Cherki ok?”

Another wrote: “What’s Cherki doing? What kind of pose is that? Lmao.”

Others were equally amused by the playmaker’s uncomfortable-looking stance.

“Please let Cherki use the restroom,” one fan joked, while another asked: “Can Cherki ever just have one normal moment?”

Some supporters attempted to defend the France international, suggesting he may simply have been trying to avoid blocking players positioned behind him.

That explanation did little to slow the flood of jokes and memes that followed.

Not his first viral moment

Cherki has already developed a reputation for unintentionally finding himself at the centre of social media attention.

The former Lyon star recently went viral after managing to snap a memorable selfie with Prince William during Manchester City’s FA Cup trophy celebrations.

His latest appearance has only added to that growing collection of internet-famous moments.

Mbappe also attracts attention

Although Cherki dominated online discussion, he was not the only player to generate conversation from the official photograph.

France captain Kylian Mbappe was also a major talking point after taking up a prominent position directly in front of President Macron.

The Real Madrid superstar’s placement prompted playful reactions from supporters, with some joking that the national team’s biggest star had managed to overshadow even the French head of state.

Eyes now turn to World Cup challenge

With the laughter surrounding the team photo continuing online, France’s players will soon shift their focus to matters on the pitch.

Didier Deschamps’ squad head into the tournament among the favourites to lift the trophy, boasting a squad packed with world-class talent including Mbappe, Cherki and several established international stars.

For now, though, it is Cherki’s unforgettable pose—not his football—that has football fans talking.