Rico Lewis: Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

When you think about the big names at Manchester City—Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden—you might imagine the kind of players who dominate headlines. But tucked neatly among those superstars is a teenager who’s quietly stealing the spotlight with his maturity, intelligence, and versatility. His name? Rico Lewis.

If you’ve watched City recently, you’ll know he’s that compact, sharp-thinking player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s not just filling in gaps; he’s rewriting what it means to be a modern full-back. Let’s take a journey through his life, career, and yes—his net worth and transfer stories (because we all want to know what’s going on behind the scenes).

A Boy from Bury with Big Dreams

Rico Mark Lewis was born on 21 November 2004 in Bury, Greater Manchester. Now, Bury isn’t exactly Barcelona or Rio de Janeiro—it’s a humble English town. But that’s the beauty of football; talent can pop up anywhere.

From a young age, Rico was immersed in sport. His dad, Rick, ran a boxing gym, so discipline and fitness were part of his DNA. Rico himself has said he looks up to Muhammad Ali—not just for boxing skills, but for his determination and mindset. And honestly, if you watch him play, you’ll see a touch of that fighter mentality.

Joining Manchester City: The Start of a Journey

At the age of just 8 years old, Rico joined Manchester City’s academy. This was 2013—City were building their football empire, and they clearly saw something in this small, energetic kid.

Fast forward a few years, and Rico wasn’t just part of the academy—he was leading it. In the 2021–22 season, he captained City’s under-18 team to win their league title. That’s a big deal for a teenager, because it showed he wasn’t just talented—he had leadership qualities that coaches love.

Breaking into the First Team: 2022–23 Season

Here’s where things get exciting. In August 2022, at just 17 years old, Rico made his Premier League debut against Bournemouth. He came on for Kyle Walker—a player many young full-backs dream of learning from.

A few weeks later, he made his Champions League debut against Copenhagen. And then came the big moment—2 November 2022—Rico started against Sevilla and scored. Not just any goal, but one that made him Manchester City’s youngest-ever Champions League scorer and the youngest player in the competition’s history to score on his first start.

Seventeen years old, playing in Europe’s biggest competition, and scoring. Imagine being in his boots—literally!

Playing Style: Why Pep Loves Him

Pep Guardiola is known for being picky—he won’t just praise a player unless he really means it. And with Rico, Pep has been glowing.

Why? Well, Rico isn’t just a right-back. He can slot into midfield, invert into central areas, and handle the ball like a seasoned pro. Guardiola loves his intelligence—he knows when to push forward, when to stay back, and how to move into tight spaces without losing the ball.

In Pep’s own words, Rico is “one of the best I’ve ever trained.” Coming from the man who’s coached Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta… that’s huge.

2022–23: The Treble Season

Rico’s breakout year just happened to be during one of City’s greatest seasons ever. The club won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League—a historic treble. Rico played his part, featuring in key games and proving that age doesn’t matter when you have quality.

For a teenager, that’s the stuff dreams are made of. Some players spend their whole careers chasing one of those trophies. Rico collected all three in a single season.

2023 Onwards: New Contract, New Heights

In August 2023, City handed Rico a new five-year contract that runs until June 2028. That’s a clear statement—they see him as part of the club’s long-term future.

Just a few months later, in December 2023, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 2–2 draw against Crystal Palace. Then came another milestone—playing in midfield during City’s FIFA Club World Cup final win over Fluminense. And as if that wasn’t enough, in April 2025, he scored early in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

International Career: Representing England

Rico’s talent didn’t go unnoticed by England. He’s worked his way up from the U16s to the U21s, and in November 2023, he got his first senior call-up.

His debut came against North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. He started the game, helped secure a draw, and ensured England finished top of their group.

For a player his age, that’s an incredible achievement—many fans are already calling for him to be a regular in the senior squad.

Net Worth: The Money Side of Things

Alright, let’s talk numbers—because whether we admit it or not, we’re all curious.

As of 2025, Rico’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £5 million, depending on which source you believe. His weekly wage is somewhere between £25,000 and £50,000, and remember—he’s only 20 years old.

He also has a deal with Nike, and you can bet that as his profile grows, more brands will come calling. His market value? Somewhere between €63 million and €77 million. That’s insane for someone who was still doing his A-levels not too long ago.

Transfer History: A One-Club Man (For Now)

So far, Rico has been a Manchester City player through and through. He’s grown up at the club and hasn’t been on loan or transferred anywhere.

But recently, there’s been some noise—Nottingham Forest have reportedly shown interest, even offering to double his wages. Would he leave the comfort of City to become a main man elsewhere? That’s the big question.

If you ask me, it’s unlikely in the short term. Pep clearly loves him, the club is investing in his future, and he’s playing in one of the best teams in the world. But football is unpredictable—who knows what could happen in a few years?

Honours and Achievements

By 20 years old, Rico’s trophy cabinet is already more impressive than most players manage in a lifetime:

• Premier League: 2022–23

• FA Cup: 2022–23

• UEFA Champions League: 2022–23

• UEFA Super Cup: 2023

• FIFA Club World Cup: 2023

Oh, and let’s not forget—he’s Manchester City’s youngest-ever Champions League scorer. That’s a record that will sit proudly next to all the silverware.

Why Fans Love Him

It’s not just about what he does on the pitch. Rico comes across as humble, hard-working, and grounded. In a football world full of egos, it’s refreshing to see a young star who keeps his head down and focuses on the game.

He’s the kind of player kids look up to—not just because of his skills, but because of his attitude. You can see the joy he has when he plays, and that’s infectious.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Rico Lewis is more than just a promising young player—he’s already proven he can perform on the biggest stages. From his first goal in the Champions League to lifting multiple trophies in his teens, he’s living a dream most of us only fantasize about.

The exciting part? He’s just getting started. If he continues on this path, we might be talking about him in the same breath as England’s greatest modern defenders. And with Pep Guardiola guiding him, the sky’s the limit.

So next time you watch Manchester City play, keep an eye out for number 82. He may not be the tallest player on the pitch, but in terms of football intelligence and heart—he’s a giant.

If you want, I can also prepare an even more casual, fan-style version that sounds like a football friend telling you this story at a viewing centre—it would really bring out the personality.

Do you want me to do that next?