Johan Manzambi was Switzerland’s hero against Bosnia-Herzegovina. His Joker Gala not only helped his team, but also him in planning for the future.
Johan Manzambi couldn’t believe it, Switzerland was full of happiness – and SC Freiburg will also have been extremely happy. In 18 minutes, the 20-year-old showed how good he is in the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina (4-1), and he also awakened fantasies of how incredibly good he can become. “Nati” coach Murat Yakin brought in Manzambi as a short-term joker, but the consequences of this gala are also long-term.
Freiburg will not be able to keep Manzambi
After the 1-1 draw against Qatar, Switzerland is back on track at the World Cup. But the tournament is also always a public application for players whose future is uncertain. Manzambi is one of these professionals, in Freiburg they must have known before the World Cup that it would be almost impossible to keep the Swiss – such a performance ensures that they can “almost” cancel that out.
His contract in Breisgau will run until 2030 and will not contain an exit clause. But there is hardly any prospect of a Freiburg future, because there should be no doubt that after this joker work of art with two goals and an assist, offers will come flooding in that the Europa League finalist will not be able to refuse. According to transfermarkt.de, Manzambi’s market value is already 50 million euros, but the price will now have increased significantly, as will the quantity and quality of interested parties.
“Saint Johan” fulfills his dream
The reasons are obvious. Mazambi is very young, has outstanding technique, has strong nerves on the biggest stage and is far from reaching his limit. In 2024, the attacking midfielder was brought from the second representation to the Freiburg professionals; 18 months earlier he had moved from Servette Geneva to the Bundesliga club’s youth team. And now it opens up for “Saint John”as the Swiss “Blick” now christened it, the gateway to football heaven.
“It’s like a dream that I can play in a World Cup, score two goals and become player of the match. I definitely won’t be able to sleep tonight.”said Manzambi after his heroic deeds. “Of course, when I play, I always want to have an impact. Even when I come on as a substitute, I want to do my best to help the team. That worked today.”
Mazambi and Switzerland operate reparation
And that despite the fact that Manzambi had also disappointed against Qatar and, like many others, was the target of criticism from home. “We just wanted to win and knew we had to give it our all. We know we didn’t play well against Qatar”said the man from Freiburg. “The fans weren’t happy with us, but I think they are proud today. We showed that we always stand together.”
With Manzambi as the great hope for a successful World Cup, which for the first time since 1954 should not end in the group phase or the round of 16. Against Qatar, it looked like this was a goal that this team couldn’t achieve. Manzambi gave Switzerland back their faith against Bosnia-Herzegovina in 18 minutes plus added time.