Nico O’Reilly is an English professional footballer who plays for Manchester City and the England national team. Born on March 21, 2005, in Manchester, he is 21 years old as of October 2026. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, O’Reilly developed as an attacking midfielder before establishing himself as a versatile player capable of operating at left-back.
A Manchester City academy graduate, he enjoyed a breakthrough 2025–26 season, winning the Premier League Young Player of the Season and PFA Young Player of the Year awards. His rise from local grassroots football to representing England at the 2026 World Cup has made him one of the country’s most notable young players.
Quick Bio: Nico O’Reilly
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nico O’Reilly |
| Date of Birth | March 21, 2005 |
| Age | 21 years (October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Manchester, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Position | Left-back / Midfielder |
| Current Club | Manchester City |
| Shirt Number | 33 |
| National Team | England |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Mother | Holly |
| Contract Expiry | Summer 2030 |
Early Life and Childhood in Manchester
Nico O’Reilly was born and raised in Manchester, a city with a rich football culture. Before entering Manchester City’s academy, he played grassroots football for Moston Tigers and Failsworth Dynamos.
He joined City’s youth system at eight years old, beginning a long association with the club that would eventually lead to his professional debut.
Growing up, O’Reilly supported Manchester City. In a 2026 interview with British GQ, he explained that his uncle and cousin were City supporters, although he made his own decision about which team to follow.
He also identified former City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne as his favourite player growing up, admiring his passing, goals and creativity.
Nico O’Reilly’s Parents and Family
Family support has played an important role in O’Reilly’s development, particularly the encouragement he received from his mother, Holly.
Following his Manchester City contract extension in September 2025, he publicly thanked her for the sacrifices she had made throughout his childhood. He explained that her commitment helped him pursue football from an early age.
In his British GQ interview, O’Reilly also mentioned his younger sister and stepfather. He described how his mother regularly took him to training sessions and matches and helped guide his decisions.
Although there is public information about aspects of his family life, further details about individual relatives are not all independently confirmed. O’Reilly has generally kept the attention on his football career rather than revealing extensive information about his private family circumstances.
From Manchester City’s Academy to the First Team
O’Reilly progressed through Manchester City’s youth system, establishing himself as a technically gifted and physically strong midfielder.
During the 2022–23 campaign, he captained City’s Under-18 team to another national title and received the team’s Players’ Player of the Year award.
He continued developing with the Elite Development Squad, overcoming an injury setback before earning opportunities with the senior team.
His professional competitive debut came in August 2024, when he started Manchester City’s Community Shield victory over Manchester United at Wembley.
Under Pep Guardiola, O’Reilly gradually became a trusted first-team option. His ability to adapt to different positions proved particularly valuable as he moved beyond his original midfield role.
What Position Does Nico O’Reilly Play?
O’Reilly can play as a left-back or midfielder.
This versatility explains why official football profiles sometimes describe his position differently. Manchester City lists him as a midfielder, while England Football identifies him as a defender.
He developed primarily as an attacking midfielder, where his height, technical ability and forward movement allowed him to influence attacking play.
However, his transition to left-back created another route into Manchester City’s first team. His experience in midfield helped him contribute when moving into central areas, while his physical attributes provided additional value in defence.
Rather than belonging exclusively to one position, O’Reilly’s career demonstrates how a player can develop through several roles at the highest level.
Breakthrough Season, Trophies and Awards
The 2025–26 season was a defining period in O’Reilly’s career.
He made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals and providing three assists. Across all competitions, Manchester City credited him with 53 appearances, nine goals and six assists.
One of his most memorable performances came on March 22, 2026, when he scored twice against Arsenal in the EFL Cup final. Both goals came from headers as City secured a 2–0 victory at Wembley.
He also featured in City’s FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.
His performances earned him three significant individual honours: the Premier League Young Player of the Season, Premier League Academy Graduate of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year. He was also selected for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
These achievements marked his progression from a promising academy graduate to an established senior international.
England Career and 2026 World Cup
O’Reilly represented England at several youth levels before receiving his first senior call-up in October 2025.
He made his senior international debut on November 13, 2025, starting against Serbia in a 2–0 World Cup qualifying victory.
His development continued when Thomas Tuchel included him in England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his major tournament debut against Croatia in a 4–2 victory.
His international progress reflected his growing importance at club level and his ability to contribute in different positions.
Contract, Salary and Net Worth
On September 26, 2025, O’Reilly signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay until summer 2030.
The agreement demonstrated the club’s confidence in his long-term development.
However, his exact salary has not been officially disclosed. Third-party websites publish wage estimates, but these should not be treated as confirmed contractual figures.
Similarly, Nico O’Reilly’s exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed. His personal wealth cannot be reliably calculated from his football contract alone.
Girlfriend and Personal Life
Nico O’Reilly’s current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.
Although interest in his personal life has increased alongside his football career, there is insufficient reliable public information to identify a current girlfriend or partner.
Away from football, his interviews have highlighted his close relationship with his family, his Manchester upbringing and his admiration for Kevin De Bruyne.
Conclusion
From grassroots football in Manchester to major individual awards and international recognition, O’Reilly has built his reputation through academy development, versatility and consistent progress. His achievements have established him as an important member of Manchester City’s new generation of players.
FAQs
How old is Nico O’Reilly?
Nico O’Reilly is 21 years old as of October 2026. He was born on March 21, 2005.
How tall is Nico O’Reilly?
He is 6 feet 4 inches tall, equivalent to approximately 193 centimetres, according to England Football.
Who is Nico O’Reilly’s mother?
His mother is Holly. O’Reilly has publicly acknowledged her important role in supporting his childhood football development.
Does Nico O’Reilly have siblings?
Yes. In a 2026 interview with British GQ, he publicly mentioned having a younger sister.
What is Nico O’Reilly’s shirt number?
He wears number 33 for Manchester City, having previously worn number 75.
When does Nico O’Reilly’s Manchester City contract expire?
His contract runs until summer 2030, following the five-year extension announced in September 2025.
Has Nico O’Reilly played for England?
Yes. He made his senior England debut in November 2025 and represented the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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