Full Name: Rico Mark Lewis
Date of Birth: 21 November 2004
Place of Birth: Bury, England
Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.69 m)
Position(s): Full-back, Inverted Midfielder
Current Club: Man City
Jersey Number: 82
Rico Lewis brings a unique blend of athleticism and cultural heritage to Manchester City's squad. His journey from childhood demonstrates leadership and has garnered recognition for his skills. His prowess on the field has made him a valuable asset, and his swift rise to the senior team reflects his impact and potential.
Beyond football, Rico's dedication to various disciplines highlights his commitment to fitness and a resilient mindset. His ascension in club and international football signals a bright future, shaping him into a formidable presence in the sport.
Below Are 11 Interesting Facts About Rico Lewis That'll Amaze You
1. He Inherits A Mixed Heritage From His Parents
Rico Lewis proudly embraces his mixed heritage, drawing from British and Jamaican roots. With his British mother, Stephanie and father, Rick, of Jamaican descent, Rico's upbringing is enriched by a diverse cultural background that shapes his identity and perspective on life and sport.
His heritage underscores his appreciation for different traditions and values, contributing to his multifaceted approach to personal growth and athletic achievement. Rico's journey in football is a testament to his talent and reflects the rich diversity that defines his background, making him a symbol of cultural fusion and unity in the world of sports.
2. Rico Lewis Joined Man City's academy At the Age of 8
Rico Lewis joined Manchester City's esteemed academy at the tender age of eight, showcasing early signs of his footballing potential. He swiftly progressed through the academy ranks, debuting for the under-18 team at an incredible 15 years old.
Recognised for his leadership abilities, he captained every team he played in, including leading the under-18s to the title during the 2021-22 season. His exceptional performances throughout that campaign earned him the coveted Under-18s Player-of-the-Year award, cementing his status as one of the academy's most promising talents.
3. He is A Versatile and Tactically Aware Player
The Bury-born lad is celebrated for his versatility and tactical acumen. While he excels primarily as a full-back, he demonstrates equal proficiency on the right and left flanks of the defence. His exceptional grasp of the game enables him to effortlessly transition between different positions, a testament to his astute footballing acumen.
Moreover, Rico's capabilities extend to a holding midfield role, where his defensive expertise and precise passing abilities shine through. This adaptability renders him an indispensable asset to any team, capable of effectively fulfilling multiple roles as required.
4. He is the Son of A Two-time British Thai Boxing Champion.
Rico Lewis hails from a lineage of athleticism, with his father Rick, also known as 'Kru Rick,' a distinguished two-time British Thai boxing champion. This familial background underscores his upbringing steeped in discipline and a competitive spirit.
Growing up under the influence of a champion has instilled in Rico a strong work ethic and resilience, qualities that transcend into his approach to football. His father's achievements motivate and inspire Rico, driving him to excel in his sporting endeavours and contributing to his development as a determined and focused individual.
5. He Progressed to Man City's EDS Before Breaking into the First Team
Following his successful stint with the under-18s, Rico advanced to Man City's Elite Development Squad (EDS) for the 2022-23 season. His seamless transition to a higher level of competition underscored his growing maturity and skill.
During this period, he continued to impress with his performances, showcasing his readiness for the demands of professional football. His development within the EDS was a critical step in his journey, preparing him for the eventual leap to senior-team football.
6. He Advanced to Man City's Senior Team in the 2022/23 Season
The 2022-23 season marked a significant milestone in Rico Lewis's career as he progressed to Manchester City's senior team. His impressive displays with the EDS and during pre-season tours earned him the trust of the senior team's coaching staff. Rico made his first-team debut as a substitute in a Premier League match against Bournemouth, solidifying his place in the senior squad.
Under Pep Guardiola's guidance, his integration into the team was a testament to his work ethic, talent, and the seamless pathway provided by City's development structure. Guardiola labelled Lewis "one of the best I’ve ever trained."
7. He is the Youngest Player to Score on His Maiden Champions League Start
In a remarkable achievement, Rico Lewis made history by becoming the youngest player to score on his maiden Champions League start. On 2 November 2022, at just 17 years and 346 days old, he found the back of the net in a crucial match against Sevilla, underscoring his ability to perform on the biggest stage. This milestone highlighted his prodigious talent and set a new benchmark for young footballers aiming to make their mark in Europe's premier club competition.
8. He is the Grandson of A Musician
He is also the grandson of Dave, a talented musician and former bassist who toured with Oasis, adding depth to Rico Lewis's family background. This musical lineage complements Rico's athletic prowess, highlighting the diverse talents within his family. Rico's upbringing reflects a blend of sports and artistic influences, contributing to his well-rounded personality and multifaceted approach to life. Additionally, Dave, Rico's grandfather, is a Manchester City fan.
9. He Already Has A Treble to His Name
Rico Lewis was part of the Man City squad that won a treble: the Premier League title, FA Cup, and Champions League in a historic season. Being a part of such a successful campaign provided Rico with unparalleled experience and a collection of prestigious honours early in his career. His contributions throughout the season were integral to the team's success, and he celebrated these achievements alongside his teammates, marking a significant chapter in his football journey.
10. He Represents England on the International Stage
Rico Lewis swiftly climbed England's youth ranks to earn a spot on the senior national team. Starting with a memorable debut for the under-18s in September 2021, where he scored against Wales, Lewis continued his rapid ascent.
He debuted for the under-19 team in September 2022 and progressed to the under-21 squad by March 2023. On 13 November 2023, Lewis received his first call-up to the senior England squad. And he made a significant impact a few days later, playing the full match in a crucial 1-1 draw against North Macedonia, securing England's top seeding for Euro 2024.
11. Muay Thai Helps with His Football Fitness
Muay Thai has been integral to Rico Lewis's athletic development, starting with training at his father's Phoenix Muay Thai boxing gym from age three. He amassed an impressive record of 30 undefeated fights in his youth.
While focusing on his football career after joining City's youth setup, Rico continued to practice Muay Thai, citing its benefits for balance and ball control. This commitment has been evident in recent years when training with his father, reinforcing the complementary relationship between Muay Thai and his football performance.