O’Reilly has impressed with maturity beyond his years
Image credit: Manchester City
While Manchester City’s global icons like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne command attention on and off the pitch, a quieter story of growth and grit is unfolding just down the road in Collyhurst.
There, 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly, City’s rising star, might be spotted shopping at Tesco with his mum—proof that fame hasn’t altered his roots.
O’Reilly’s emergence has been a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster season for the reigning English champions.
Despite the team’s dip in form, O’Reilly has impressed with maturity beyond his years and performances that have turned heads, including those of teammates like Ilkay Gundogan, who praised his humility and dedication.
A Lifelong Blue Living the Dream
Nico O’Reilly isn’t just playing for Manchester City—he’s living out a childhood dream.
A lifelong supporter, he joined the City academy at the age of eight and rose steadily through the ranks.
By 2023, he captained the Under-18 squad to a Premier League title and stood out in the elite development squad soon after.
His big break came this season with a debut in the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley—no small feat for a player still acclimating to life in the senior team.
“It was a crazy experience at first, but as the season progressed, I began to feel more comfortable,” he reflects. “Just being around the first team every day is an amazing feeling.”
Despite primarily being a box-to-box midfielder, O’Reilly has often filled in at left-back due to City’s injury struggles.
Yet, he’s thrived regardless, racking up five goals and two assists in 18 appearances—an impressive return for someone playing out of position.
“I’ve looked up to players like Yaya Touré and David Silva, but I’m trying to carve my own identity,” he says. “I don’t want to compare myself to legends—I’ve still got a lot to prove.”
Staying Grounded Amid the Spotlight
What stands out about O’Reilly isn’t just his on-pitch ability but his grounded lifestyle.
Unlike many young stars swept up in fame, he remains close to his childhood friends—most of whom are also involved in football—and still enjoys simple routines with family.
“I still do the same things—go out with my mum, chill with my mates. That keeps me grounded,” he explains.
Mentored by Guardiola, Forged by Adversity
It’s been a season of growing pains for City, as they relinquished the Premier League title to Liverpool and crashed out early in the Champions League.
A goalless draw against Southampton last weekend has left their top-five hopes hanging in the balance.
Yet, O’Reilly remains optimistic. “The senior players are still so driven, still looking for ways to improve. It’s rubbed off on me and shaped my mindset.”
Manager Pep Guardiola has leaned on O’Reilly more than many expected.
The Spaniard has credited the youngster’s performances as pivotal to the team’s improved form during a rough patch where City only won once in 13 games.
“Pep brings the intensity every day,” says O’Reilly. “He keeps us sharp, reminds us to enjoy the game even when things are tough.”
Eyes on FA Cup Glory
While the season may not have gone as planned, there’s still silverware to fight for—and O’Reilly has been central to City’s FA Cup campaign.
He’s scored in big moments, including an 8-0 win over Salford, a brace against Plymouth, and a game-changing display off the bench versus Bournemouth.
Now, the focus is firmly on Saturday’s FA Cup final against Crystal Palace—an opportunity for O’Reilly to cap off his breakthrough season with his first major trophy.
“To win the FA Cup would mean everything,” he says. “When you’re in the youth team, the FA Youth Cup is the biggest thing. Now I’m here, fighting for the real thing. It’s surreal.”
