A jump to the gang, arms, the look at the Freiburg fans – Johan Manzambi celebrated his first Bundesligator. Who is this young offensive man who is currently causing a breath of fresh air at the sports club?
To start with a little less sporty: the 19-year-old seems to be a fan of French rap. Because just such a serenade Johan Manzambi wanted to deliver his teammate – on the occasion of his first Bundesliga hit.
Not surprising, because the second youngest player of the Freiburg squad was born in 2005 in French Switzerland, more precisely in Geneva. At Servette Geneva, he also took the first steps on the lawn and only came to Breisgau in 2023. Manzambi was further trained in the Freiburg Football School, initially received missions in the U19 and was allowed to ran from the 2023/24 season for the second team of SC Freiburg in the 3rd league. Under Julian Schuster, the leap to the professionals made it in the current season.
That distinguishes him
By the last match day against TSG Hoffenheim, there were only short operations for the Swiss U-21 international, but in which he already gave an idea of which talent was. Particularly striking: his train towards the opposing goal. “In the offensive area, he has the quality-also about the one-on-one situations in narrow rooms, where he can moor the ball and then become dangerous,” praises coach Julian Schuster to his young player. Finally, it was seen in the game against the Sinsheimer, in which he also gave his starting debut.
Again and again the “box-to-box” player penetrates from the midfield into the opposing penalty area and ensures goal danger-either as a template or as a executor. He almost added Bundesliga number two after a strong solo in the Hoffenheim sixteen. Only the post was in the way. His ball security, the high technical disposition, strong duel values and a great willingness to run are currently convincing at the Sport-Club Freiburg.
A player with big ambitions
There is also a pinch of young people carefree and an offensive diversity that coach Julian Schuster offers various tactical possible uses. “I don’t have to commit myself,” said Schuster after the game against the Hoffenheimer at the press conference, “and that is exactly what he distinguishes him that he can play in several positions”. Manzambi moves between the rooms, can be used on the nine, ten or aft position. A player who is good for SC Freiburg in the final spurt for international places. And one who should continue to arouse the desires of other clubs, which is so positive.
At the sports club, however, he first extended his contract last September, to the delight of sports director Klemens Hartenbach. “Johan has a great mix of sporting quality, a realistic self -assessment and humility,” said Hartenbach. The 19-year-old still has big goals. When asked about what he wants to achieve, he replies very cool: “Win the Champions League”. Does that work with the SC Freiburg? Probably not. But maybe there will be at least the first missions in the premier class in the coming season.
