Manuel Akanji

Manuel Obafemi Akanji was born on July 19, 1995, in Wiesendangen, Switzerland. He grew up in a sports-loving family, with a Swiss mother and Nigerian father. From a young age, Akanji showed an interest in football, which led him to pursue it as a career. His early education and sporting background laid the groundwork for his future professional career in football.

Manuel Akanji made his professional debut for FC Basel on April 26, 2015, in a Swiss Super League match against BSC Young Boys. He entered the game as a substitute and his performance foreshadowed a promising career in professional football. This debut marked the beginning of his journey in top-tier football, as he eventually became an important player for Basel, contributing significantly to their defense.

Manuel Akanji earned his first cap for the Swiss national team on June 9, 2017, in a World Cup qualifying match against Faroe Islands. This debut was an important milestone, as it established him as a national player, representing Switzerland at the international level. Akanji's defensive skills quickly became an asset for the national team, helping them qualify for major tournaments.

In January 2018, Manuel Akanji transferred from FC Basel to Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of €18 million. This move to one of the Bundesliga's top clubs was seen as a significant step in his career. He became a key figure in Dortmund's defense, known for his speed, strength, and composure on the ball. Akanji quickly adapted to the German league, bolstering Dortmund's backline.

Manuel Akanji played a vital role in Switzerland's defense during the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosted in Russia. He started all matches for the Swiss national team, helping them reach the round of 16. His performances were highly praised, showcasing his defensive capabilities on the world stage. Akanji's World Cup display solidified his status as a top defender in international football.

On May 1, 2021, Manuel Akanji was part of the Borussia Dortmund squad that clinched the DFB-Pokal title, defeating RB Leipzig 4-1 in the final. Akanji's defensive performance was key to Dortmund's success in the tournament, demonstrating his value to the team. Winning this trophy marked a significant achievement in his career as it was his first major silverware with Dortmund.

In September 2022, Manuel Akanji completed a transfer to Manchester City, joining the English Premier League club for a fee reported to be around £15 million. This move was another major step in Akanji's career, as he progressed to one of the top clubs in England and Europe. At Manchester City, he was expected to strengthen their defense with his experience and tactical understanding.

Manuel Akanji made his Premier League debut for Manchester City on October 8, 2022, in a match against Southampton FC. His debut was marked by a solid defensive performance, contributing to a clean sheet in a 4-0 victory for City. Akanji's ability to adapt quickly to the Premier League was evident, and he earned praise from fans and pundits alike.

On June 10, 2023, Manuel Akanji was part of the Manchester City team that won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final. Akanji's role in defense was crucial throughout the tournament, and the victory added a prestigious European trophy to his achievements. This win was a highlight of Akanji's career, showcasing his development as a top-class defender.

In September 2023, Manuel Akanji extended his contract with Manchester City, committing his future to the Premier League club. The contract extension reflected his importance to the team and his successful integration into the squad. Akanji's performances in the Premier League and in European competitions had solidified his reputation as a reliable defender.