Faith over minutes: Rico Lewis says Jesus reshaped his career

Rico Lewis, the Manchester City right‑back, says his newfound faith in Jesus has given him a purpose beyond minutes on the pitch, a revelation sparked by a simple question. The 22‑year‑old married his partner Amelia on Tuesday last week, marking a personal milestone amid his Premier League career.

Lewis made 22 outings in all competitions during Pep Guardiola’s final season, including 11 Premier League appearances. He featured in 110 minutes across 17 games, was an unused substitute in five, out of the squad in ten, missed three matches with an ankle injury and was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He recalled that he always loved history and that something clicked when he read the Bible out of curiosity. “I thought, why don’t I learn about Jesus?” he said, adding that he felt God touch his heart and has not looked back since embracing Christianity.

Lewis explained that his wife Amelia was raised believing in Jesus, and together they have increased their practice of faith. He said leaning on each other with the same goal has helped both their relationship and his career, and that the Bible has guided him through frustration on the pitch.

Having joined the City Academy at eight and playing for the Under‑18 side at fifteen, Lewis debuted against Bournemouth at the start of the Treble season. He made his UEFA Champions League debut less than two months later and signed a five‑year contract at the Etihad Stadium in 2023.

After helping England qualify for the top seeding of the 2024 European Championships with a debut versus North Macedonia, he now hopes to be part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, though a City exit remains possible.