Rico Lewis has set out his ambitions for the new and ongoing 2026/27 campaign, insisting his number one priority is to play as much football as possible for Manchester City.
Rico Lewis plays an important role for Manchester City
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Few players embody Manchester City’s celebrated academy pathway quite like Rico Lewis. A blue through and through, the defender has risen through the ranks at the club he supported as a boy - having first arrived as an eight-year-old - and has racked up well over 100 appearances across five seasons in the first-team.
Now a recognised senior England international and a familiar face in the Manchester City matchday squad, the 21-year-old is determined to build on that platform under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Rico Lewis targets as much game time as possible
A versatile right-back, Rico Lewis has now made it clear that making appearances, rather than chasing any grand individual milestones, is what matters most to him as the new era gets under way at Manchester City.
“The most important thing is to take it day by day, training session by training session and game by game,” Lewis told the club's official in-house magazine.
“My goal is to play as much football as I can, whatever that looks like is what it is but I’m just trying to play as many games as I can.”
The defender also spoke passionately about the connection he feels representing his boyhood club in front of the home supporters at the Etihad Stadium, and the pride he takes in flying the flag for the City Football Academy.
“I do feel that love when we play at the Etihad. It’s hard sometimes when I’m on the pitch to take notice of all that sort of stuff because you’re focusing on the game, but there are moments when that togetherness really shines through, especially when any of us young lads are playing,” he added.
“That pathway through has its fruits and home fans always enjoy seeing Academy players in the first team.”
Making a difference off the pitch
Rico Lewis’ focus this season is matched by a growing sense of purpose away from the game.
A strong advocate for tackling homelessness in Manchester, the defender staged a seven-a-side football tournament this summer, raising over £3,000 for the charity S.P.I.N. - Supporting People In Need.
The event drew a host of familiar faces, with fellow Manchester City team-mate Phil Foden and recent academy talent Kaden Braithwaite among the guests in attendance, alongside Lewis’ younger sister Sacha - who herself signed a first professional contract with City's Women this summer.
Enzo Maresca has revealed that three Manchester City academy graduates will “be involved” in his side’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Norwich City on Thursday.cityxtra.co.ukMaresca Confirms Man City Academy Graduate Trio Will Feature Against Norwich City
Enzo Maresca has revealed that three Manchester City academy graduates will “be involved” in his side’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Norwich City on Thursday.
It was not a one-off, either, with a padel tournament staged in aid of the same cause while Rico Lewis was away on the club’s pre-season tour.
“I wanted to give back to people who are less fortunate in life,” Lewis explained.
“We raised over £3,000 and it’s something we want to continue doing. It’s not about me but it’s nice to give back to people who are less well off and you see daily. It’s a nice feeling but it also feels like something I should be doing.”
A summer to remember for Lewis
There was cause for personal celebration over the break, too, with Rico Lewis marrying his long-time partner Amelia in a picturesque Lake Como ceremony - capping a summer that clearly meant a great deal to the young defender on a personal level.
“It was an amazing day,” he said. “It was a wonderful day in Como with just very close friends and family.
"It’s a beautiful place with a stunning view of the water. That’s a place I’ll return to 100 times over because of the memories.”
With his wedding and his summer charity tournament behind him, Rico Lewis is now firmly refocused on football and is expected to feature against Norwich City in the home Carabao Cup third round fixture on Thursday night.
After a statement win in the Manchester derby, Manchester City must now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup for a clash against Norwich.cityxtra.co.ukPredicted Starting XI: Man City vs Norwich City (Carabao Cup Third Round)
After a statement win in the Manchester derby, Manchester City must now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup for a clash against Norwich.
The popular academy graduate faces stiff competition from Matheus Nunes and Abdukodir Khusanov when it comes to racking up the minutes he craves in the right-back position as Manchester City chase silverware on multiple fronts this season.