Swiss-born center-back Manuel Akanji competes for the Swiss national team and the English club Manchester City.
In this article, we will learn about Manuel Akanji’s net worth, salary, earnings, biography, etc.
Manuel Akanji’s Biography
| Full Name | Manuel Obafemi Akanji |
| Nickname | Obafemi |
| Born | 19 July 1995 |
| Debut | 2013 |
| Height | 1.86 m |
| Weight | 90 kg |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Neftenbach, Switzerland |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Net Worth | $30 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Father name | Abimbola Akanji |
| Mother name | Isabel Akanji |
| Instagram Handle | obafemi.5 |
Manuel Obafemi Akanji, a defender for Premier League club Manchester City and the Swiss national team, was born in Switzerland on July 19, 1995.
Akanji, a Neftenbach native, started his youth career with the neighborhood team in Wiesendangen.
After switching teams in May 2007, Akanji played for FC Winterthur’s Under-18 team and later their second team as a youth squad member.
Career
Akanji’s transfer to Basel for the 2015–16 Super League season was announced on April 15, 2015.
On September 26, 2015, against FC Lugano, he entered the game as a substitute to make his Swiss Super League debut.
On January 15, 2018, Akanji moved to Borussia Dortmund during the winter transfer window for an alleged cost of 18 million euros. He agreed to a 4-and-a-half-year deal that ran until June 2022.
On September 1, 2022, Akanji signed a contract with Premier League champions Manchester City to keep him there through 2027 for a rumored £15 million.
Five days later, he started his first game for City, a 4-0 victory over Sevilla on the road in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Akanji participated in the UEFA Nations League Finals in May 2019, where his team took fourth place.
He was selected for the national team in 2021 in preparation for UEFA Euro 2020.
On September 24, 2022, Akanji scored his first goal for his country’s senior team against Spain in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League triumph.
On December 7, 2022, Portugal defeated Switzerland 6-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2022, with Akanji scoring the lone goal for Switzerland.
Wife
On a gorgeous day in Mallorca, Spain, Manu married his sweetheart, Melanie Windler.
He has been married to her since 2019. Our young man keeps himself somewhat well-groomed, and his lovely spouse looks extremely exquisite in her snow-white attire.
Manuel Akanji’s Net Worth Details
Manuel Akanji’s net worth is estimated to be $30 million as of 2025. He earned most of this money from his football career by playing in the International World Cup and club.
Salary
The center-back signed a contract with Manchester City in September 2022 that will pay him 9 million euros (7.9 million pounds) annually.
Endorsement
He does not have many brand deals or endorsements at this moment. Currently, he is endorsed by Puma and wears Puma cleats.
Career Stats
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
| Switzerland | 2017 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 9 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 49 | 2 | |
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1 | 24 September 2022 | La Romareda, Zaragoza, Spain | Spain | 1–0 | 2–1 | 2022–23 UEFA Nations League A |
| 2 | 6 December 2022 | Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail, Qatar | Portugal | 1–4 | 1–6 | The 2022 FIFA World Cup |
FAQs
Who is Manuel Akanji, and where is he from?
Manuel Akanji is a professional footballer from Switzerland. He was born on July 19, 1995, in Neftenbach, Switzerland. He plays as a defender for Manchester City in the Premier League and the Switzerland national team.
What are some of Manuel Akanji’s biggest achievements?
Akanji has won several major trophies, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League with Manchester City in the 2022-2023 season. He also helped Borussia Dortmund win the German Cup in the 2020-2021 season and has been a key player for the Swiss national team in multiple international tournaments.
What positions does Manuel Akanji play?
Akanji primarily plays as a center-back but is versatile enough to play as a right-back or left-back when needed. His ability to read the game and make accurate passes makes him a valuable asset in various defensive roles.
What is Manuel Akanji’s playing style?
Akanji is known for his technical ability, composure, and excellent passing range. He is strong and physical, comfortable in one-on-one situations, and adept at intercepting passes and making tackles. His long-range passing is particularly noteworthy, often helping to build attacks from the back.
Has Manuel Akanji faced any significant challenges in his career?
Akanji has faced challenges, including a cruciate ligament rupture at FC Basel, which kept him out of action for a while. Despite this setback, he has bounced back strongly and performed high.
What is Manuel Akanji’s background and family life like?
Akanji was born to Isabel, a Swiss mother, and Abimbola, a Nigerian father. He grew up in a sports-oriented family, with his father playing amateur football and his mother being a former tennis player. He has two sisters, Michelle and Sarah, who also have a background in sports.
How did Manuel Akanji start his football career?
Akanji began his youth career at FC Wiesendangen before moving to FC Winterthur, where he progressed through the youth ranks. He made his professional debut with FC Winterthur and later moved to FC Basel, where he gained significant attention for his performances.
What are some interesting facts about Manuel Akanji?
Akanji is talented on the pitch and has a knack for mental arithmetic. He has demonstrated impressive skills in quick calculations, which he attributes to competitions organized by his school teacher. Additionally, he was a Manchester United fan growing up.
What are Manuel Akanji’s goals for his football career?
While specific goals aren’t always publicly stated, it’s clear that Akanji aims to continue winning major trophies with Manchester City and perform well in international tournaments with Switzerland. He is also focused on maintaining his high level of performance and contributing to his team’s success.
How has Manuel Akanji adapted to life at Manchester City?
Akanji has adapted well to life at Manchester City, both on and off the pitch. He enjoys the city’s nature and restaurants and feels welcomed by the local community. His performances have been crucial in City’s defensive line, and he has quickly become an integral part of the team under Pep Guardiola.
