Nico O'Reilly shines as Manchester City's local hero in 2026 FA Cup final

Nico O'Reilly, a 21-year-old Manchester City player, faces Chelsea in the FA Cup final after scoring nine goals this season.

City's season on the line The next ten days will define Manchester City's 2025-26 season, with Pep Guardiola's team still competing for the Premier League title while chasing potential trophies. Nico O'Reilly aims to add another major honor by delivering in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday. The Carabao Cup victory in March, where O'Reilly scored twice in a standout display against Arsenal, remains fresh in his memory. City could finish the campaign with up to three trophies if they succeed in the upcoming finals. ## England World Cup dreams at stake Beyond silverware, O'Reilly is chasing a spot in England's World Cup squad this summer, with Thomas Tuchel set to name his tournament selection soon. Garry Riley, the scout who first identified O'Reilly, called him 'probably the best left-sided player this season,' adding that a World Cup call-up would be remarkable. Riley praised O'Reilly's consistency and potential, saying 'there are plenty of good left-sided players but to see him, if he can, get in that World Cup squad would be unbelievable.' ## Early talent spotted in Manchester O'Reilly's exceptional ability was first noticed at age six, according to Riley, who highlighted his 'great left foot,' ball control, and determination. Scouts from Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers were already watching him play for youth teams Moston Tigers and Failsworth Dynamos. A local scout named Joe Yates initially recommended O'Reilly to Riley, maintaining contact with the family throughout his development. Riley explained how competitive youth football in the North West makes recruitment a tough process, requiring close collaboration between clubs, parents, and recruitment teams. ## Growing up with football passion Born in Collyhurst, O'Reilly grew up idolizing legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho while admiring City icons such as Kevin de Bruyne, Yaya Touré, David Silva, and Sergio Agüero. He reflected on his early football days, saying '[We played] a bit of everywhere - on the grass, on the streets. We used to go to the little cage and play there.' He described playing with around 30 other children in unstructured matches, emphasizing his love for sports and outdoor activities from a young age. ## Rapid rise through City's ranks A lifelong City supporter, O'Reilly joined the club's academy at eight years old and climbed through the age groups. He captained the under-18s to a Premier League title in 2023 before impressing in the elite development squad last season. O'Reilly made his first-team breakthrough last season and has since been primarily used as a left-back by Guardiola, despite being a midfielder by trade. This season, he has made 51 appearances across all competitions while scoring nine goals and earning three England caps. ## Memories from Wembley and lessons learned O'Reilly's last trip to Wembley Stadium ended in triumph during the Carabao Cup final, but his previous FA Cup final appearance in 2025 was a disappointment after City lost shockingly to Crystal Palace. The defeat ended their season without a major trophy, though O'Reilly has since matured into a key player. Riley described his progress as 'unbelievable,' praising O'Reilly's humility and willingness to learn, saying 'He has always listened every time I have watched him play.' Riley added, 'I didn’t watch him a great deal through the academy journey.. but I always keep in touch with him, try and get to as many games as I can, and he has been just unbelievable.'