Why Rayan Cherki 'ignored' Didier Deschamps after France's World Cup win over Sweden

Those close to Rayan Cherki have shed light on why he appeared to ignore Didier Deschamps in the immediate aftermath of France's latest win at the World Cup.

Les Bleus secured their spot in the last 16 on Tuesday as goals from Kylian Mbappe (2) and Bradley Barcola sealed a routine 3-0 win over Graham Potter's lacklustre Sweden.

It was an emotional evening for head coach Deschamps, who returned to the dugout after missing France's 4-1 victory over Norway following the death of his mother, Ginette.

He embraced members of his 26-man squad following the win over Sweden but a frosty exchange with Cherki sparked controversy on social media.

As you can see in the fan footage below, Deschamps attempted to embrace the Manchester City midfielder, just moments after he waved to the MetLife Stadium stands.

However, Cherki appeared to snub the head coach by moving him away. He then pulled down his socks as Deschamps came over for a second time, moving his head away.

Rayan Cherki is going through a 'very difficult' off-field situation

A new report from French publication L'Equipe has cleared up the situation involving Cherki and Deschamps, who had 'no problem' with the on-pitch interaction.

Cherki, meanwhile, is going through a 'very difficult off-field situation' which has been 'wearing him down since the end of last week', according to the report.

Those close to the player, as well as members of the French national team, insist that his reaction was simply an expression of self-directed frustration as he 'wanted to shake off his personal troubles' with a good performance.

Cherki is also said to be 'exhausted' by sleepless nights.

Rayan Cherki a complètement ignoré Didier Deschamps après le match contre la Suède 😳 pic.twitter.com/bNslVVdFKV

— Vibes Foot (@VibesFoot) July 1, 2026

The 22-year-old, who was one of Manchester City's standout performers this season, is determined to play his part at this summer's World Cup as France look to reclaim their title.

He knows he's not a guaranteed starter under Deschamps and, according to the above report, Cherki is reminded that his 'time will come later' by the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, when they need inspiration in the second-half of games.

France have produced some of the strongest performances of the tournament thus far, with Michael Olise and Mbappe, amongst other attacking players, making it hard for Cherki to earn a start.

Didier Deschamps opens up on Kylian Mbappe gesture during Sweden game

Moments after Mbappe opened the scoring in New Jersey, he shared an emotional embrace with Deschamps.

As mentioned above, Deschamps travelled back to France to attend his mother's funeral, with assistant manager Guy Stephan taking charge of the Norway game in his absence.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Deschamps said: "Obviously on a personal level Kylian's gesture moved me a lot. He's our captain, and I'm not saying good things about him just for the sake of it; it's because he's been exemplary from day one.

"The group stayed united, they did what needed to be done when I wasn't there, and it was better for me and for them that I wasn't there.

"And from the moment I came back, they knew I was with them. But it's a very good thing. The mindset of a group doesn't win matches, but I know all too well that it can make you lose them." added the 57-year-old.