Nico O'Reilly

Nico O'Reilly is an English midfielder born in Manchester on 21 March 2005. He joined Manchester City's academy at eight and developed through Manchester City Under-19s, initially playing as an attacking midfielder. In 2022–23, he captained City's Under-18s to Premier League glory, contributing 13 goals and 14 assists during the campaign. O'Reilly also produced notable youth moments, including a late winner against Middlesbrough and the 2023/24 Academy Goal of the Year against Nottingham Forest. A serious ligament and ankle injury in summer 2023 interrupted his progress, but he returned in early 2024 to feature for the Elite Development Squad. His senior breakthrough came in 2024/25, when he made his first-team debut in the Community Shield and later started the FA Cup final, also covering at left-back. O'Reilly has represented England at youth level and remains part of Manchester City's senior setup, offering versatility between midfield and defence.