Nico O'Reilly
LBCDM
England21 years
Showing2026/27 seasonAll official competitions
Preferred Positions
Last 24 months · all competitions
LB
Left-backMain
5,185 min · 67 apps · 60 starts
CDM
Defensive midfield
784 min · 19 apps · 5 starts
Squad importance
Current squad importance over the club’s last 40 recorded competitive games in this spell, including previous seasons. Starts and minutes contribute 70%; performance contributes 30%. Absences reduce the score gradually, with less weight when a player is outside the matchday squad.Current role at Manchester City · independent of the season filter
Rotation
Involvement63%
Performance42%
Through the match on 4 Nov 2026. Refreshed daily.
Profile
Career & playing style
Nico O'Reilly developed as an attacking midfielder in Manchester City's academy before finding a senior role at left-back. Born in Manchester, he played for Failsworth Dynamos and Moston Tigers before joining City at under-nine level. He made his first-team debut in the 2024 Community Shield against Manchester United and scored his first senior goal against Salford City in January 2025.
The Salford tie began an unexpected positional education. O'Reilly said he had not played left-back before it, yet his midfield training helps him move inside to combine, stay wide as an outlet, or arrive in the penalty area. He has described a demanding role that also requires defending in a back four, holding a high line and covering the flank.
When a City winger drifts infield, O'Reilly can occupy the outside lane and carry towards goal; from deeper positions, he can find a runner with a cross. Premier League analysis has also highlighted his speed and strength in one-on-one defending. His height offers another way to threaten when crosses reach the opposition box.
His 2024/25 FA Cup run showed that attacking contribution in a new position. He scored twice against Plymouth Argyle and set up both City goals in a quarter-final comeback at Bournemouth. During 2025/26, City also used him in central midfield, giving his old habit of arriving in the box another setting.
At Wembley in March 2026, O'Reilly's two headers decided the League Cup final against Arsenal. He met a loose ball from a cross for the opener, then headed in another delivery four minutes later to complete a 2–0 win. He started at left-back in City's 1–0 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in May. The Premier League also named him its 2025/26 Young Player of the Season and the PFA its 2026 Men's Young Player of the Year.
England first called him into the senior squad in October 2025. He started his debut against Serbia in a World Cup qualifier the following month. At the 2026 World Cup, he started the opening win over Croatia; he played seven tournament matches as England finished third. His move between defending the left side and joining attacks had carried him from City's youth sides to a major international stage.
Latest stats & form
Nico O'Reilly currently plays for Manchester City as a left-back. He has represented England internationally.