Switzerland Calls Up Sion's Hot Scorer Boteli for Nations League
The Swiss national team, fresh from reaching the World Cup quarterfinals, has handed a debut call-up to 20-year-old Sion forward Winsley Boteli. His impressive form this season has attracted interest from Champions League clubs like Galatasaray and Porto.
Boteli has netted 12 goals in 14 matches, including a hat trick against Ajax during the Conference League qualifying playoffs last month. Despite Congo’s interest—his family roots are there—and their recent World Cup round of 32 appearance, Boteli confirmed his commitment to Switzerland just last week.
Other New Faces and Key Returns
Coach Murat Yakin also invited 20-year-old Parma defender Sascha Britschgi to join the 25-man squad for upcoming Nations League matches versus Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, captain Granit Xhaka returns after a strong World Cup showing, adding to his record tally of 152 caps. The Sunderland midfielder will turn 34 right after Switzerland’s first match against North Macedonia on September 26.
Breel Embolo, who was controversially sent off in the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, made the squad following his transfer to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Another newcomer is 21-year-old center back Zachary Athekame, currently on loan at Lyon from AC Milan, returning to the national setup without any prior senior appearances.
Geneva Connection in the Squad
Both Athekame and Boteli are joined by World Cup breakout Johan Manzambi, Denis Zakaria, and Zeki Amdouni—players linked to Servette’s youth system, though together they only played six games for the Geneva club. Zakaria, now captaining Monaco, appeared in all those games during the 2014-15 Swiss second division season.
Manzambi shared a nostalgic Instagram photo with Athekame, showing their childhood connection.
Upcoming Fixtures
- September 26: Switzerland vs. North Macedonia (Away)
- September 29: Scotland vs. Switzerland (Away)
- October dates: Home matches against Slovenia and North Macedonia in Lucerne
Switzerland aims to build on their World Cup success as they face these Nations League challenges.
