Johan Manzambi made history with his assist for Breel Embolo's opening goal in Switzerland's two-nil victory over Algeria in the round of 16. According to Opta statistics, at 20 years and 261 days old, the swiss midfielder became the youngest player since 1966 to contribute to five goals at a World Cup, with three goals and two assists. Opta chose 1966 as a benchmark due to insufficient data from previous years.

Johan Manzambi celebrates a goal during Switzerland's two-one victory over Canada in the third group B match of the 2026 World Cup at Vancouver Stadium, Canada on 24/6. Photo: AP

In the 21st century, only one other player under 21 has reached this milestone: Thomas Muller at the 2010 World Cup, where he contributed to eight goals. Muller was a few weeks older than Manzambi is currently.

Notably, the midfielder, born in 2005, achieved this feat despite not starting from the beginning of the tournament. He began the 2026 World Cup on the bench against Qatar, then came on as a substitute against Bosnia & Herzegovina. After just a few minutes on the field, Manzambi scored two goals, becoming the youngest player in World Cup history to score a brace after coming on as a substitute, and the first swiss player to do so.

He also had the opportunity to score a hat-trick and set another milestone if he had taken the penalty in injury time. However, captain Granit Xhaka followed the team's designated penalty order. Manzambi later stated that he did not ask to take the penalty, prioritizing the team's victory over personal achievement. Xhaka also explained that the team has clear rules and the young player "will get his turn."

Following his explosive performance against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Manzambi continued to score one goal and assist another in the two-one victory over host Canada, securing the top spot in group B. In the match against Algeria in the round of 16, he once again emerged as the most prominent player.

In the 10th minute, Manzambi received the ball from midfield, accelerated past several algerian players before entering the penalty area. After a skillful touch to evade defender Aissa Mandi, he delivered a perfect cross for Embolo to tap into an open net.

Manzambi's assist for Embolo

British newspaper Chronicle Live called this play "the best assist of the 2026 World Cup". Some have compared Manzambi to Jude Bellingham due to his combination of physical prowess, speed, and technique. Others have described the swiss midfielder as a "monster" or "cinematic" after his solo run across most of the field. Statistics show Manzambi's impressive efficiency: he contributed to five goals in just 174 minutes of play at the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Murat Yakin has repeatedly emphasized the value of his 20-year-old protege. He believes Manzambi is a versatile player who can be deployed in almost any midfield position and on both wings. According to the swiss coach, Manzambi's progress has been continuous over the past year. "You can use him in every position. We have seen Manzambi's daily development. He is a valuable and excellent player," Yakin stated.

After the victory against Algeria, the swiss coach continued to praise his player. He lauded Manzambi's ability to create a difference precisely when the team needed it most, and commended the midfielder's focus, work ethic, and professional attitude.

Teammates also offered high praise. Embolo credited "95% of the goal to Manzambi," stating he only had to tap the ball in after a perfect assist. Dan Ndoye called Manzambi an "unbelievable" player who significantly strengthens Switzerland. Xhaka remarked that his younger teammate improves with each match, always plays with great desire, and supports the team even without the ball.

Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi (9) gets past Aissa Mandi (2) to assist Breel Embolo's goal in the 10th minute of Switzerland's round of 16 match against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, at Vancouver Stadium, Canada, on 2/7. Photo: AP

Manzambi's dynamism also makes a difference. He is a box-to-box midfielder, capable of carrying the ball from midfield, dribbling past opponents, operating centrally, or drifting wide while maintaining his threat. Against Algeria, almost every significant swiss attack flowed through the number nine midfielder.

Few know that as a child, Manzambi once dreamed of becoming a goalkeeper. It was his father who persuaded him to abandon this idea and switch to midfield. That decision has now become a turning point in his career.

Manzambi was born in Geneva to parents of angolan and democratic republic of congo descent. He started playing football at four years old, developed at Servette before moving to Freiburg. For the swiss national team, he has played 15 matches and scored five goals. The 2026 World Cup is his first major tournament at the national team level, but it has been enough to turn the 20-year-old midfielder into a major discovery.

His soaring form has significantly increased Manzambi's market value. Freiburg is preparing to receive numerous substantial transfer offers after the World Cup. The midfielder is currently valued at approximately 50 million euro (57 million USD), but this fee could rise further if he continues to excel in the knockout rounds.

Switzerland has just won a World Cup knockout match for the first time since 1938. For Manzambi, the tournament in North America seems to be just the beginning. Facing only Colombia or Ghana in the round of 16, Yakin's team can certainly hope for a quarter-final spot, should Manzambi continue his impressive performances.

Xuan Binh