Manuel Akanji makes defending look effortless, whether he's wearing the colors of Manchester City or Switzerland. But to truly understand the man behind the calm composure, you have to look at his family—a blend of two cultures, two parents, and an unwavering support system that shaped his journey.
Akanji's parents are Abimbola and Isabel Akanji—a Nigerian-Swiss partnership that has been instrumental in his success. His father, Abimbola, is a Nigerian financial professional who moved to Switzerland and brought with him a deep love for football. He played the game in his spare time, and young Manuel would watch and dream, trying to mimic his father's skills alongside his sister in their garden.
His mother, Isabel, is Swiss and a former tennis athlete. Together, they raised three children: eldest sister Michelle, who also pursued athletics; Sarah, who now plays football for FC Winterthur; and Manuel, the youngest and only son.
Akanji was born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father of Yoruba ethnicity. This mix of Swiss precision and Nigerian resilience is woven into his identity—and he wears it proudly. On his left arm, he has a tattoo of the Nigerian national team's eagle with a football beneath it.
"This is the eagle, from the Nigerian national team, with the football under it. It's something I carry with me," Akanji once said. While he chose to represent Switzerland internationally, his Nigerian heritage remains central to who he is. "I could only make one decision, but they are still with me all the way."
Akanji has never hesitated to credit his parents for his success. His father's love for football and his mother's athletic background instilled discipline, resilience, and a drive to improve—qualities that define him every time he steps onto the pitch.
As Switzerland prepare for their World Cup clash with Colombia, Akanji will once again anchor the defense. And as always, his parents will be watching with the same pride they've shown throughout his journey. For all the trophies and accolades, his greatest source of strength has always been the family that believed in him from the very beginning.
