Manuel Akanji

Manuel Akanji began his professional career with FC Winterthur in 2014, marking the start of a decade-long trajectory through top-tier European leagues. Born in Neftenbach in 1995, the Swiss-Nigerian defender has competed for FC Basel, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, and Inter Milan, accumulating significant domestic and continental honors across his tenure in Switzerland, Germany, England, and Italy.

Early Development and Swiss Success

Akanji spent his early years with clubs in Wiesendangen and FC Winterthur. Following his 2014 professional debut, he secured a transfer to FC Basel in 2015. Under manager Urs Fischer, he contributed to consecutive Swiss Super League titles in the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons. The latter campaign culminated in a domestic double, as Basel also claimed the Swiss Cup. He later played every minute of the club's 2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage matches.

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Bundesliga Tenure

In January 2018, Akanji moved to Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of €18 million. His debut occurred in February against 1. FC Köln. During his time in Germany, he secured the 2019 DFL-Supercup and the 2020–21 DFB-Pokal, notably playing the full match in the final victory against RB Leipzig. Despite periods of criticism regarding defensive consistency, he remained a primary squad member until his departure in 2022.

Manchester City and Italian Football

Joining Manchester City in September 2022 for £15 million, Akanji made an immediate impact, starting in the Champions League and Premier League. During the 2022–23 season, he led all City defenders in minutes played and contributed to the club's continental treble. In August 2024, he scored the winning penalty in the FA Community Shield against Manchester United. By 2025, he transitioned to Inter Milan on loan before signing a permanent deal, subsequently helping the club achieve a Serie A and Coppa Italia double.

International Representation

Akanji progressed through Switzerland’s youth ranks, appearing for the under-20 and under-21 sides before debuting for the senior national team in 2017. He participated in three FIFA World Cups—2018, 2022, and 2026—as well as two major continental tournaments. His international goals include efforts against Spain and Portugal. During the 2024 quarter-finals against England, he took the opening penalty in a shootout that ultimately resulted in Swiss elimination.