5 Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji, 1995-07-19, Defender for Switzerland, plays for Manchester City. 60 international caps, 4 goals. Part of Switzerland's 2026 World Cup Group B squad.
Biography
Manchester City centre-back and the anchor of Switzerland's defence. Currently plying his trade at Manchester City, a dependable defender, Manuel Akanji combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Switzerland's backline. Has earned 60 international caps, scoring 4 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 12 previous tournament appearances.
Career Timeline
He was a member of Switzerland's squad for two editions of the UEFA European Championship, in 2020 and 2024, as well as two FIFA World Cups, in 2018 and 2022.
He joined Manchester City in 2022, winning a continental treble in his first season with the club, as well as numerous other trophies, including one more Premier League title in 2023–24.
During his stay in the Bundesliga, he helped Dortmund win the 2019 DFL-Supercup and the 2020–21 DFB-Pokal.
Internationally, Akanji represents Switzerland, making his debut for the senior team in 2017 after featuring for the under-20 and under-21 sides.
He moved to first tier FC Basel in 2015, where he won consecutive league titles in 2015–16 and 2016–17, the latter of which was a double that included the 2016–17 Swiss Cup.
An academy graduate of FC Winterthur, Akanji's professional career began in 2014, when he made his debut for the then-Swiss Challenge League club, having also previously played for the club's second team.