Having become indispensable in Murat Yakin’s system after a breakthrough season at Freiburg, Johan Manzambi is about to play in his first World Cup. It’s a childhood dream for someone already being courted by PSG and Manchester United.
Three years ago, the 20-year-old from Geneva was only known within the inner circles of Swiss youth football. Today, his market value is estimated at 50 million euros (£43.15 million), and the biggest European clubs are vying for his signature.
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Born on October 14th, 2005, Manzambi is the son of parents from Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He grew up in a multicultural family and developed a passion for football from a very young age, even though his journey was far from straightforward.
Initially drawn to the goalkeeper position, he had to be persuaded otherwise by his father and brother, who recognised his potential as an outfield player.
His early years were marked by what he himself describes as “a path strewn with obstacles”: physically too small for a long time, he endured a tough period when Geneva clubs lacked the patience to develop him.
Manzambi is one of Flashscore’s World Cup rising stars – see our full list here.
A rapid rise
Manzambi came through the ranks at Servette before joining the SC Freiburg academy in Germany in January 2023. He first played for the under-19s, then the club’s reserves, making ten appearances in the 3. Liga during the 2023-2024 season and scoring twice.
His progress was so rapid that it even exceeded his own expectations. He chose the move to Freiburg to join a structured development programme in the Bundesliga – a decision he describes as having “paid off much faster than expected”.
He made his professional debut for the first team in a 3-0 Bundesliga win over Heidenheim back in August 2024. He was still not yet 19. His first league goal came on 12 April 2025, securing a 2-1 victory for his side against Borussia Monchengladbach.
A standout 2025-2026 season
The season that just ended has firmly established Manzambi among the elite. Five goals and five assists in the Bundesliga, plus two goals and two assists in the Europa League, make a total of seven goals in all competitions from 47 matches.
Impressive numbers for a midfielder of his age, but it was his performances in the big games that caught the eye. In the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Braga, he scored Freiburg’s second goal in a 3-1 win that sent his club to the final. He was then rewarded with the title of Best Young Player of the competition.
The final against Aston Villa ended in a heavy defeat, but Manzambi refuses to let that disappointment overshadow what he has achieved.
“I’m proud of myself and very grateful for the support of my teammates and all the Freiburg staff. It’s there that I earned my place in the national team since last year,” he said.
The Nati have embraced him
In less than two years, Manzambi has climbed every level of the Swiss national setup. He progressed through the U18S, U19S and U20S, before being called up to the senior team well before his 20th birthday.
He now has ten caps and three goals for the Nati. According to Blue Sport expert Blerim Dzemaili, he has already become indispensable to Murat Sure’s system: “Can he really afford not to play him?”
Unsurprisingly, his name was the very first announced by the Swiss Football Association as they gradually revealed the 26-man squad for the World Cup. A powerful symbol, even before the tournament kicks off.
“Playing in the World Cup is a childhood dream. When the coach messaged me, I was over the moon and immediately shared the news with my family, my agent and my friends,” he said, unable to hide his emotion.
After a full season at Freiburg, where he established himself as an undisputed starter, Yakin’s call-up was only logical.
Switzerland are in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. It’s a manageable group that could give Manzambi a great platform on the world stage.
PSG and Manchester United are among the interested clubs, and Freiburg are waiting to see their midfielder shine at the World Cup before deciding on his future.
Follow Swizterland’s clash against Qatar here with Flashscore
