«WHEN I PLAY, I PLAY TO WIN»

Meet Manuel Obafemi Akanji. Son, brother, husband, father and athlete. Obafemi means «loved by the king». A name that was chosen wisely, knowing the weight it carries. It is a constant reminder of where he comes from and where he wants to go.

Obafemi takes on his different roles with equal responsibility and a positive attitude. His spirit is fueled by discipline and focus. Whatever the challenge, he tackles it with a strong will to succeed fairly. This makes Obafemi an invaluable teammate – both on and off the pitch.

Striving to broaden his horizons beyond the obvious, Obafemi is passionate about discovering new styles and trends. He draws his inspiration from a wide array of subjects.

This is Obafemi. In all his facets. And he looks forward to meeting you.

Facts

Name Manuel Obafemi Akanji
Born July 19, 1995 in Neftenbach, Switzerland
Nationality Swiss / Nigerian
Height 187 cm
Position Central Defender

CLUBS

09/2025 - to date FC Internazionale Milano
09/2022 – 08/2025 Manchester City
01/2018 – 08/2022 Borussia Dortmund
2015 – 12/2017 FC Basel
2014 – 2015 FC Winterthur

JUNIORS

2007 – 2014 FC Winterthur
2004 – 2007 FC Wiesendangen

Swiss national team

2017 - to date Swiss National Team (71 games and counting)
2014 – 2017 U21
2014 U20

Achievements

2024/2025 English Super Cup Winner
2024 Played at UEFA Championship for the Swiss National Team (round of 8)
2023/24 Premiere League Champion
2023 UEFA Super Cup Winner
2023 FIFA Club World Cup Winner
2023 UEFA Champions League Winner
2023 FA Cup Winner
2022/23 Premier League Champion
2022 Played at FIFA World Cup for the Swiss National Team (round of 16)
2021 Played at UEFA European Championship for the Swiss National Team (round of 8)
2021 German Cup Winner
2019 German Super Cup Winner
2018 Played at FIFA World Cup for the Swiss National Team (round of 16)
2017 Swiss Cup Winner
2017 Credit Suisse Rookie of the Year 2017
2016/17 Swiss Super League Champion 
2015/16 Swiss Super League Champion 

Partner

PUMA

Als eine der weltweit führenden Sportmarken wollen wir mit den besten Sportlern auf dem Platz stehen. Manuel Akanji, Spieler der Schweizer Nationalmannschaft und internationaler Top-Clubs, zeichnet sich durch sein Selbstbewusstsein, seine Zielstrebigkeit und sein stetiges Streben noch besser zu werden aus. Mit seiner positiven Art auf und neben dem Platz ist er für uns ein idealer Markenbotschafter. Manolo Schürmann, Senior Director Sports Marketing Teamsport Global 

Official UNICEF supporter

 Follow Obafemi on Instagram

Press & Media

Media-Login