Full Name: Manuel Obafemi Akanji
Date of Birth: 19 July 1995
Birth Place: Neftenbach, Winterthur Switzerland
Height: 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position: Central Defender
Current Team: Man City
Jersey Number: 25
When discussing a footballer with an exceptional talent for mental calculation and strength, Manuel Akanji stands out. From his early years, Akanji harboured what was needed to pursue his passion for football, combining intellectual sharpness with physical prowess.
Plying his trade from a tender age to stardom on the international front, his burning desire to excel in football was evident, with his childhood in Neftenbach filled with dreams and challenges.
The Swiss centre-back has overcome criticism, injuries, and numerous obstacles before landing at a club where he shines through, proving to doubters of his past that it's possible to achieve what most deem to be unattainable. As we delve into these eight interesting facts about Akanji, we'll explore how he has grown from a young boy with a dream into an international football star.
Below are the 8 Interesting Facts About Manuel Akanji From Childhood in Neftenbach to Premier League Stardom
1. He is of Mixed Heritage via His Parents
Manuel Akanji is of mixed heritage, with a rich cultural lineage, stemming from a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father. This diverse heritage has contributed to his unique identity, blending the cultures and traditions of both Switzerland and Nigeria. Born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, Akanji harbours this rich cultural legacy in his personal and professional life.
2. He Began His Football Career at Wiesendangen at Age 9
Manuel Akanji began his football journey at the age of 9 with the local club in Wiesendangen in 2004. He spent three formative years honing his skills before moving to FC Winterthur at the age of 11 in 2007.
At Winterthur, he played for the Under-18 team and the reserve team, steadily progressing through the ranks and refining his football craft. His dedication and talent culminated in becoming a regular starter for Winterthur's senior team during the 2014–15 Challenge League season.
3. He Thrived at FC Basel and Later at Dortmund
Manuel Akanji thrived during his tenures at FC Basel and Borussia Dortmund. He started with FC Basel in the 2015–16 season, debuting in the Swiss Super League on 26 September 2015. He was crucial in securing consecutive Swiss Super League championships in 2015–16 and 2016–17, along with Basel's triumph in the Swiss Cup.
In January 2018, the Swizz made a significant move to Borussia Dortmund for a reported €18 million fee. Akanji quickly made an impact, scoring his inaugural goal for the club in September 2018. Despite facing criticism for errors, Akanji persevered and helped Dortmund win the 2019 German Super Cup and delivered a standout performance in Dortmund’s 4–1 victory in the 2021 DFB-Pokal Final.
4. He is A Maths Genius
Manuel Akanji is renowned for his exceptional mathematical abilities, impressively performing complex arithmetic calculations mentally without utilising tools or devices like calculators or even pencil and paper. In 2018, at age 23, he showcased these extraordinary skills on Swiss TV, leaving audiences in awe of his mental calculation prowess.
Beyond his football career, Akanji also completed vocational training as a tradesperson in 2017, equipping him with practical skills that enable him to be gainfully employed or self-employed. This combination of athletic and intellectual talents highlights Akanji's unique and multifaceted capabilities.
5. He Sealed A Move to Man City After His Dortmund Exploits
Manuel Akanji joined Manchester City on 1 September 2022 for £15 million. He debuted on 6 September in the Champions League and his Premier League debut on 17 September. His stellar performances earned him Man City's Player of the Month for October 2022.
Akanji scored his first goal for the club in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on 17 May 2023, and his first Premier League goal on 4 November 2023. In his debut season, which saw the Cityzens secure a treble, Akanji played more minutes than any other City defender [48 matches in all competitions].
6. He is a Versatile Defender
Standing tall at 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in), Akanji is renowned for his polished style of play, combining technical skill, poise, and an exceptional ability to distribute the ball. He is a strong, physical defender, comfortable in one-on-one situations, and adept at intercepting passes and making crucial tackles.
His game-reading ability and calmness under pressure are top-notch. Akanji also excels at long-range passing. He is capable of accurate diagonal balls and his versatility has seen him deployed as a left-back, right-back, and occasionally as an outfield player by Pep Guardiola.
7. He Represents Switzerland on the International Stage, Graduating From U20
Manuel Akanji has had a distinguished international career for Switzerland. He progressed from the U-20 team to the U-21 squad, debuting on March 26. His senior team debut came on June 9, 2017, in a World Cup qualifying match. The Neftenbach-born player was included in Switzerland's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting every game.
He continued to play in the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals and UEFA Euro 2020, starting all matches and scoring a crucial penalty in the shootout against France. He also scored his first senior international goal against Spain on September 24, 2022, and in the 2022 World Cup round of 16 against Portugal.
8. He Has A Sister, Who is A Former Footballer
Manuel Akanji's sister, Sarah Akanji, shares a strong connection with football, just like her brother. Sarah is a former footballer who played for FC Winterthur Frauen, showcasing her talent on the field.
Beyond her football career, she is also active in politics, serving as a member of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland. This dual role highlights the diverse talents and interests within the Akanji family.
Manuel Akanji Wife
Many have wondered about Manuel Akanji's relationship status, but he has been happily married to Melanie Windler since 2019. They cherish a loving family life with their three children, their youngest born in May 2024.
Their journey is defined by a strong bond, with Melanie providing steadfast support as Manuel excels in his football career. Together, they navigate the complexities of professional sports and parenthood, achieving a harmonious balance in their personal and family lives.
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