Set against the backdrop of O’Reilly preparing for the PFA Awards where he won Young Player of the Year, we chart the rise of the ace Academy graduate.
We hear from his coaches at Failsworth Dynamos as they talk of the enormous potential they spotted immediately and their prediction that a stunning City career awaited the big Blues fan.
There’s also input from City’s Senior Development Player Manager, Ian Fitzpatrick, who tells us how O’Reilly is delivering on the promise he showed as he’s progressed right through the age-groups since signing with the Academy aged eight.
NICO O’REILLY - ORIGINS: WATCH NOW ON CITY+
We also hear from club photographer Isaac Parkin, who’s covered O’Reilly’s rise to stardom.
He’s snapped some sensational shots - from 2023’s unforgettable scorpion kick winner at Middlesbrough and chipped derby goal against Manchester United in the U18s all the way through to his goal at the Bernabeu in 2025’s victory at Real Madrid in the Champions League and his brace in the 2026 Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal.
We also hear from his devoted mum, Holli, whose pride is evident as she accompanies him to the 53rd annual PFA Awards where he saw off the challenge of our very own Rayan Cherki, Arsenal’s Max Dowman, Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool to claim the crown at Manchester Opera House.
It’s a memorable lookback at an unbelievable journey taken so far by the 21-year-old – with so much more to come from the likeable City fan.
Head over to CITY+ to watch our feature right now.
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