Imagine this: a kid from Bury, Greater Manchester, punching away in a Muay Thai gym with his dad but dreaming bigger. That kid is Rico Lewis born on November 21, 2004, who has turned those early dreams into reality in ways that still feel surreal
Early Roots in Bury
Rico Lewis story begins in Bury, where his earliest memories are of sparring, not scoring goals. His dad, Rick Lewis once a two-time British Muay Thai champion, hung up his gloves the day Rico was born and went on to open Phoenix Muay Thai gym in Whitefield just outside Manchester. Rico was literally a toddler when he started training ring included even winning his first fight at three, and he kept a clean streak: no losses in 30 fights
At around age nine or ten, Rico had a fork in the road: pursue Muay Thai or turn fully to football. He chose the latter, though the discipline and mental toughness he learned in the ring never left him
Joining the City Family
At eight, the same age he’d almost chosen another path, Rico joined Manchester City’s academy the club he had supported all his life He rose through the ranks, captaining the Under-18 side in the 2021–22 season, winning the league title, and earning the academy’s Player of the Year award
Breaking Into the First Team
Then came 2022, the year his childhood all felt real. He was named on the bench for City’s opening Premier League match. On August 13, 2022, he made his Premier League debut, subbing in for Kyle Walker in a 4–0 win over Bournemouth
Fast-forward less than two months: on October 5, he debuted in the UEFA Champions League, coming on in a 5–0 win over Copenhagen. Then, on November 2, came one of those “blink and you’re cheering” moments. Stepping in as a first-time starter in the Champions League, Rico scored the equalizer in a stunning 3–1 win over Sevilla. At 17 years and 346 days old, he became not only City’s youngest Champions League scorer but one of the youngest ever on debut. And yes, there was the ugly side he received racist abuse during that game but he lifted his head, carried on, and let his football speak louder.
Part of City’s Historic Treble
That season became a fairytale. Rico Lewis contributed in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. City achieved a continental treble, and by the time he turned 19, Rico was walking out a stadium with all three trophies a mark of a childhood dream turned tangible memory.
Gaining Ground, Locking In His Future
His rise didn’t slow. In August 2023, he signed a new five-year contract with City, keeping him at the Etihad until 2028. Literally, they knew they’d found something rare.
Over the next seasons, he became more than that kid bursting in with energy. He made 14 Premier League appearances in 2022–23, 16 in 2023–24 (scoring twice), and 28 the season just ended, chipping in with goals and becoming a more trusted part of the squad.
Versatile and Tactical Pep’s Pocket Rocket
Rico isn’t just a right-back. He’s versatile. City use him at right-back, defensive midfield, even left-back now and then whatever suits the tactics or Pep’s latest idea. Under Guardiola, he’s nicknamed the “pocket-sized hero,” a fearless spirit with tactical smarts.
A Loyal Heart, and Loyal Club
There were whispers this summer that Nottingham Forest might try to take him, even offering double the wages. But Rico’s made his choice. “I’ve never ever seen myself at a different club,” he said. He loves City, he said. And City offered a new five-year extension to 2030, signaling it’s his forever place for now.
Beyond the Pitch: Humble, Grateful, Centered
Despite all the success, he stays grounded Muay Thai still part of his fitness routine. His dad jokes about the time he emptied the newsstands in Bury Tesco to spread the word when Rico scored that historic goal security thought it was a protest.
Why Rico Lewis Matters
Because his story is real. A kid with a choice a sports-filled upbringing, a dad who traded fighting for fatherhood picked the beautiful game and threw in everything he had. And when that ball dropped at City, he didn’t hesitate. He just played. With heart, with grit, with a style that’s all his own.
Now, at 20, he’s not a prodigy getting by on hype. He’s a footballer who’s already been through chaos, glory, noise, and silence and still runs with a smile. He’s not flashy. He doesn’t need to be. He’s living a story most of us only read about because he stayed humble, worked hard, and let the boy from Bury walk through it at his own pace.