Manuel Akanji Biography, Salary, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

If you’re a football fan who loves a good story, then Manuel Akanji’s journey will grab your attention. This isn’t just another “footballer makes it big” tale—it’s the story of a Swiss kid with Nigerian roots, a sharp football brain, and a calm style of defending that makes strikers hate going up against him.

Today, Akanji is one of the most reliable defenders in the English Premier League, holding down the backline for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. But how did he get here? Let’s break it all down—his biography, net worth, career, and transfer history—without making it sound like a boring Wikipedia page.

Early Life and Background

Manuel Obafemi Akanji was born on July 19, 1995, in Neftenbach, Switzerland. His father, Abimbola Akanji, is Nigerian, while his mother, Isabel Akanji, is Swiss. That means Manuel grew up with the best of both worlds—Swiss discipline and Nigerian flair.

From a young age, football was his thing. Akanji wasn’t just one of those kids who ran around kicking a ball aimlessly; he had a natural understanding of the game. Even as a child, he read the game well, saw passes before they happened, and had that calmness under pressure that’s so rare in defenders.

Growing up, he played for FC Wiesendangen, a local club where he first learned the basics of defending. Coaches quickly saw he wasn’t just talented—he was different. While other kids chased the ball blindly, Akanji stayed composed, picked his tackles smartly, and built from the back.

Rising Through the Swiss Football System

By his teenage years, Akanji had moved to FC Winterthur, a Swiss club known for developing young players. This was where things got serious. Playing in Switzerland’s Challenge League (the second tier) as a teenager wasn’t easy, but Akanji handled it like a pro.

His time at Winterthur was all about growth. He built his physical strength, sharpened his passing, and became comfortable playing out from the back—a skill that would later make him a perfect Pep Guardiola signing. Scouts started noticing him, and it wasn’t long before the bigger Swiss clubs came knocking.

Breakthrough at FC Basel

In 2015, Akanji signed for FC Basel, Switzerland’s most successful club. This was his first taste of top-flight football and European competition. At Basel, he learned what it meant to play under pressure—defending against top strikers in the Swiss Super League and the UEFA Champions League.

Basel fans loved him for his composure and intelligence. He didn’t dive into reckless challenges; instead, he timed his tackles perfectly and used his positioning to shut down attacks. He also became a key part of the team that won multiple league titles during his time there.

By now, Akanji wasn’t just a promising defender—he was one of Switzerland’s best. The next step? A move to a bigger European league.

Move to Borussia Dortmund

In January 2018, Borussia Dortmund signed Manuel Akanji for around €21.5 million. This was a major leap. The Bundesliga is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and Dortmund is a club with huge expectations.

Akanji adapted quickly. His pace, strength, and tactical awareness made him a natural fit for German football. At Dortmund, he faced some of Europe’s best forwards week in and week out. He became a regular starter, played in Champions League knockout games, and helped Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in 2021.

His ability to stay calm under intense pressure was one of his standout traits. In fact, one of his signature skills is playing accurate long passes to start attacks—a defender who can also be a playmaker.

Manchester City Transfer

In the summer of 2022, things took another big turn. Pep Guardiola and Manchester City needed defensive reinforcements, and Akanji was high on their list. The Premier League champions signed him for around £15 million—a bargain in today’s inflated transfer market.

Many thought Akanji might just be a backup option, but he quickly proved everyone wrong. His versatility (able to play as a centre-back, right-back, or left-back) made him an instant asset. He slotted right into City’s defensive system, adapting to Guardiola’s style like he’d been playing there for years.

And it paid off big time. Akanji played a key role in Manchester City’s historic treble in the 2022/23 season—winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in the same year. For any player, that’s a dream come true.

Playing Style – Calm, Smart, and Reliable

If you’ve watched Akanji play, you know he’s not the type to panic. He’s strong in one-on-one duels, great at reading the game, and confident with the ball at his feet. He rarely gets caught out of position, and his passing accuracy is among the best for defenders in Europe.

That composure probably comes from his background—Swiss precision and Nigerian confidence combined into one solid defender. No wonder Pep trusts him in big games.

International Career with Switzerland

Despite having Nigerian roots, Akanji chose to represent Switzerland at the international level. He made his senior debut in 2017 and has since become a regular starter for the Swiss national team.

He has played in World Cups and European Championships, helping Switzerland reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2020 (played in 2021). Akanji is seen as one of the leaders in the squad, bringing both experience and stability to the defense.

Transfer History Summary

Here’s a quick look at Akanji’s club journey:

1. FC Wiesendangen (Youth career – Switzerland)

2. FC Winterthur (2014–2015) – Professional debut

3. FC Basel (2015–2018) – Multiple league titles, Champions League experience

4. Borussia Dortmund (2018–2022) – German Cup winner

5. Manchester City (2022–present) – Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winner

Net Worth and Earnings

So, how much is Manuel Akanji worth? Estimates put his net worth at around $5–8 million. His income comes mainly from his football contracts, bonuses, and endorsement deals.

At Manchester City, Akanji reportedly earns about £100,000 per week. Over a season, that’s more than £5 million—and that’s before adding in bonuses for trophies. Not bad for a guy who started out at a small Swiss club.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Akanji is known for being intelligent, humble, and family-oriented. He’s married to Melanie Windler, and the couple has a son together. Akanji is also fluent in multiple languages, including English, German, and French—a skill that makes life easier in the multilingual world of football.

Legacy and Future Goals

At just 28 years old, Akanji still has plenty of years ahead at the top level. Given his current form, he’s likely to be a key player for Manchester City and Switzerland for years to come. He’s the kind of defender every manager loves—reliable, consistent, and professional both on and off the pitch.

Final Thoughts

Manuel Akanji’s story is a reminder that you don’t always have to start at the biggest club to make it big. With discipline, intelligence, and the right opportunities, you can rise to the very top of world football.

From Neftenbach to the Etihad Stadium, his journey is an inspiring one—and the best part? It’s still being written.