Manuel Akanji In 2026: Net Worth and Salary in 2026, Bio, Personal Life, Family & FAQs

 Profile

Manuel Obafemi Akanji has become one of the most recognizable defenders in modern football. The Swiss international, who currently plays for Inter Milan on loan from Manchester City, has built an impressive career spanning multiple top European leagues. From his early days in Switzerland to becoming a key player in the Premier League and now Serie A, Akanji’s journey is a testament to hard work, versatility, and football intelligence. In this comprehensive profile, we explore everything you need to know about Manuel Akanji in 2026, including his net worth, salary, personal life, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about him.

In European football, Manuel Obafemi Akanji has emerged as one of the most dependable defenders. The 30-year-old center-back, who was born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father, is now on loan from Manchester City to Inter Milan. It is truly amazing how he went from playing in the Swiss lower leagues to winning the Champions League with Manchester City. Akanji, who is well-known for his intelligence on and off the field, has made a name for himself as a vital member of the team and the nation.

Salary and Net Worth in 2026

Icon Polls projects that Manuel Akanji's net worth in 2026 is $40 million and $45 million based on extensive investigation and analysis. His expensive football contracts are the main source of this significant wealth, with some additional revenue coming from endorsements.

Akanji is currently on loan to Inter Milan for the 2025–2026 season, earning a gross salary of about €6.44 million (about €3.5 million net). Performance-based bonuses of up to €1.25 million are part of his contract. But his major contract is still with Manchester City, where he signed a contract that pays him nearly £180,000 a week, or £9.36 million a year, until 2027.

One of Manchester City's most astute acquisitions in recent years was Akanji, who was acquired from Borussia Dortmund in September 2022 for an estimated £15 million. With a deal that expires in 2027, he continues to be one of City's most valuable assets, and his pay at the club reflects his value to the organization.

Early Life and Bio

On July 19, 1995, Manuel Obafemi Akanji was born in the small Swiss village of Wiesendangen. Manuel was introduced to sports at an early age because he grew up in a family that loved sports. In his free time, his Nigerian father, Abimbola, played amateur football and worked as a financial expert. His mother used to play tennis and is Swiss. The basis for Manuel's personal athletic career was established by this varied sports experience.

Michelle and Sarah, Manuel's two sisters, are also athletes. Sarah is a Social Democrat politician and a football player, whereas Michelle is a successful athlete. She works in election campaigns and has studied politics and history.

The Akanji family's commitment to sports and excellence clearly influenced Manuel's path.

After beginning his football career at the local Wiesendangen team, Akanji transferred to FC Winterthur in May 2007. He played for the under-18 team and then the reserve team after moving up through their junior system. He began playing for Winterthur's first team in the Swiss Challenge League in 2014, marking his professional debut.

Career Journey

FC Basel (2015-2018): One of Switzerland's most prosperous clubs, FC Basel, signed Akanji in April 2015. In September 2015, he made his Swiss Super League debut, and he soon established himself as a consistent starter. In 2015–16 and 2016–17, Akanji won two straight league titles under manager Urs Fischer. The 2016–17 season was especially noteworthy since Basel won the Swiss Cup to complete the domestic double.

Borussia Dortmund (2018–2022): German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund bought Akanji in January 2018 at an estimated €18 million after seeing his performances at Basel. He made 158 games in his four and a half years with the Black and Yellows, winning the DFB-Pokal in 2021 and the German Super Cup in 2019. In the 2021 DFB-Pokal Final, he played the entire ninety minutes as Dortmund defeated RB Leipzig 4-1.

Manchester City (2022–present): On September 1, 2022, Manchester City signed Akanji to a £15 million contract that would last until 2027. It turned out to be a brilliant move. He made his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers shortly after, and five days later, he made his Champions League debut in a 4-0 victory over Sevilla. Akanji received Player of the Month for October in his debut season and played a key role in City's historic 2022–2023 treble-winning season, which saw them win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. In the 4-0 triumph over Real Madrid in the semi-final, he scored his first Champions League goal. Surprisingly, throughout that historic season, he played more minutes than any other defender for Manchester City.

Inter Milan (2025–present, on loan):

Akanji left Manchester City on September 2, 2025, to sign a season-long loan with Inter Milan. He shown his flexibility and defensive prowess in Serie A and the Champions League by rapidly becoming a regular starter for the Italian powerhouses following a difficult debut against Juventus.

International Employment

Since making his senior debut in a 2-0 World Cup qualification victory against the Faroe Islands in June 2017, Akanji has been a consistent member of the Swiss national squad. He was part of Switzerland's roster for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the team advanced to the round of 16 and he started all four games. Akanji started all five of Switzerland's games at UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021), helping them get to the quarterfinals. He missed in the penalty shootout defeat to Spain in the quarterfinals, but he converted his penalty in the round of 16 triumph over France. In a 2-1 victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League in September 2022, Akanji scored his first goal as a senior international. He currently has more than 40 caps for his nation.

Personal Life

In June 2019, Manuel Akanji tied the knot with Melanie Windler, his longtime partner. Amidst close friends, family, and teammates, the pair exchanged vows in a stunning wedding in Mallorca, Spain. They originally started dating in September 2015, and in September 2018, after three years of dating, Manuel asked Melanie to marry him.

On May 14, 1995, Melanie Windler was born in Geneva, Switzerland. Her mother, Lisa, is a homemaker, and her father, Jason, was employed at the United Nations. She comes from a loving family. After attending the International School of Geneva, Melanie relocated to the US to attend New York University to pursue a degree in interior design. She currently manages both residential and commercial projects as a professional interior designer.

The couple is fortunate to have three kids. On May 10, 2020, Aayden Malik Adebayo Akanji, their first son, was born. On September 2, 2022, Keeyan Lamar Ayodele Akanji, their second son, was born. Khiara Sofia Yemaya Akanji, their first daughter, was born in 2024. Despite his rigorous football career, Manuel is committed to being a loving husband and father, as evidenced by the regular peeks of his family life he posts on social media.

Even though Akanji has a well-known career, he and his spouse would rather keep their personal lives quiet. They cherish family time and make sure that family always comes first, even in the face of professional football's obligations. Melanie is frequently spotted cheering Manuel on at home and away games, and the couple likes to travel together whenever they can.

Playing Style and Strengths

On the ball, Manuel Akanji is renowned for his intellect, adaptability, and poise. Although he plays center back most of the time, he can also play left or right back when necessary. Akanji's role at Manchester City changed even more under Pep Guardiola, occasionally playing as an inverted full-back or moving into midfield. Guardiola has commended Akanji's intelligence, pointing out that he only needs to be instructed once to perform an action flawlessly.

He stands out from many defenders due to his technical skill. Akanji frequently aids in the development of attacks from the back since he has a great passing range and is at ease receiving the ball under duress. He reads the game well, times his tackles and interceptions perfectly, and is excellent in one-on-one situations. He is especially strong in aerial duels, standing 6'2" and weighing 91 kg.

The most remarkable of all is probably Akanji's exceptional mathematical ability, which translates to his football intelligence by enabling him to make quick assessments of situations and make the right decisions on the field. He can complete complex calculations in his head almost instantly, a skill that has been demonstrated in interviews where he has responded without hesitation to rapid-fire multiplication questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manuel Akanji

1. How much will Manuel Akanji be worth in 2026?
According to research from Icon Polls, Manuel Akanji's net worth in 2026 is projected to reach between $40 million and $45 million, mostly due to endorsement deals and football contracts with elite European teams, including Manchester City and Inter Milan.

2. What is Manuel Akanji's weekly salary?
During his 2025–26 loan at Inter Milan, Manuel Akanji receives a gross salary of €6.44 million for the season, with potential bonuses of up to €1.25 million. His primary deal with Manchester City pays him about £180,000 per week, or roughly £9.36 million yearly.

3. Does Manuel Akanji have a spouse?
In spite of the pressures of playing professional football, Manuel Akanji and Melanie Windler enjoy a solid, supportive relationship and were married in June 2019 in Mallorca, Spain, after dating since September 2015. The pair has three children together.

4. What is Manuel Akanji's age?
Born on July 19, 1995, Manuel Akanji will be thirty years old in 2026. Despite being in his thirties, he is regarded as having reached the pinnacle of his career and is still performing at a high level for both club and nation.

5. What is Manuel Akanji's role?
Although Manuel Akanji's primary position is center back, he can also play right back, left back, or even midfield. His tactical adaptability has been heavily utilized at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, making him one of the most versatile defenders in modern football.

6. For which teams did Manuel Akanji play?
Major trophies have been won at each of Manuel Akanji's past three teams, which are FC Winterthur (2014-2015), FC Basel (2015-2018), Borussia Dortmund (2018-2022), Manchester City (2022-present), and Inter Milan (2025-present, on loan).

7. How many awards has Manuel Akanji received?

Throughout his career, Manuel Akanji has won about 15 major trophies, including the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup with Borussia Dortmund, two Swiss Super League titles and one Swiss Cup with Basel, and numerous titles with Manchester City, including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the Premier League (twice), the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Club World Cup, the Community Shield, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

8. What is the nationality of Manuel Akanji?
Swiss by nationality, Manuel Akanji was born in Switzerland to a Swiss mother and a Nigerian father. Since making his debut in 2017, he has amassed more than 40 caps for the Swiss national team.

9. Manuel Akanji's height?
At 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighing about 91 kg (200 lbs), Manuel Akanji's height and physical prowess make him a formidable opponent in both aerial and physical bouts.

10. 10. Who is Melanie Windler?
Melanie Windler, a professional interior designer who attended New York University and was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 14, 1995, is the wife of Manuel Akanji. The couple has been dating since 2015 and got married in 2019; they have three kids together and lead a relatively private family life.

11. How many kids does Manuel Akanji have?
Aayden Malik Adebayo, Manuel Akanji's first son, was born in May 2020; Keeyan Lamar Ayodele, his second son, was born in September 2022; and Khiara Sofia Yemaya, his first daughter, was born in 2024.

12. Was the Champions League won by Manuel Akanji?
Indeed, Manuel Akanji helped Manchester City win the Champions League in the 2022–2023 season, part of the team's unprecedented treble that also included the Premier League and FA Cup. Akanji was instrumental in the campaign, scoring in the semi-final match against Real Madrid.

13. Manuel Akanji joined Manchester City when?
On September 1, 2022, Manuel Akanji signed a deal with Manchester City that would last until 2027. He was reportedly paid £15 million to come from Borussia Dortmund, and he has turned out to be one of the club's most wise acquisitions in recent memory.

14. What motivated Manuel Akanji to sign with Inter Milan?
After losing favor at Manchester City, Manuel Akanji signed a season-long loan to Inter Milan in September 2025, which gave him regular playing time at one of Europe's best clubs while also benefiting Inter Milan's Serie A and Champions League campaigns with his defensive skills and experience.

15. What makes Manuel Akanji's intelligence unique?
Pep Guardiola has praised Manuel Akanji's intelligence, pointing out that he only needs to be told something once to execute it flawlessly. Akanji has an exceptional mathematical ability and can perform complex calculations in his head almost instantly. This mental sharpness extends to his football intelligence, allowing him to read the game exceptionally well and make quick, accurate decisions on the pitch.

16. Is Manuel Akanji a World Cup player?
Indeed, Manuel Akanji participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, starting all four of Switzerland's games as they advanced to the round of 16. He also started all five of Switzerland's games at the 2021 UEFA Euro 2020, helping them advance to the quarterfinals and scoring the penalty in their shootout victory over France.

17. What are Manuel Akanji's endorsements?
Although he doesn't have as many endorsement deals as some other well-known football players, Manuel Akanji's main source of income comes from his lucrative football contracts. He is largely sponsored by Puma, a sportswear and footwear firm, and wears Puma cleats during games.

18. What is Manuel Akanji's jersey number?
In addition to wearing number 5 for the Swiss national team, Manuel Akanji wears the number 25 jersey for both Manchester City and Inter Milan. The number 25 has come to represent his dependable defensive play.

19. Who is Manuel Akanji's favorite football player?
Raúl González Blanco, a former Spanish football player who played as a striker for Real Madrid and then Schalke 04, has been described by Manuel Akanji as his childhood hero. It's interesting to note that Raúl is currently the manager of Real Madrid Castilla.

20. What other sports are favorites of Manuel Akanji?
Given his athletic family background, it's not surprising that Manuel Akanji enjoys a variety of sports. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he would play basketball with his teammates before and after training sessions. He has stated that playing basketball was one of his favorite aspects of the training ground experience.

21.Where was Manuel Akanji born?
Born and raised in Wiesendangen, a tiny municipality in the Swiss canton of Zurich, Manuel Akanji started his football career at the Wiesendangen local team before transferring to FC Winterthur.

22. What is the background of Manuel Akanji?
With a Nigerian father (Abimbola), a financial expert and former amateur football player, and a Swiss mother (a former tennis player), Manuel Akanji has a multicultural background that has shaped his identity as a Swiss citizen with strong Nigerian roots. His career path was obviously influenced by his family's athletic background.

23. Are there any siblings of Manuel Akanji?
Yes, Manuel Akanji has two sisters. Michelle Akanji, his oldest sister, is an athlete, and Sarah Akanji, his other sister, is a politician for the Social Democrats and a football player. Sarah studied politics and history and works in election campaigns, demonstrating the family's varied talents outside of sports.


From a small Swiss town to becoming a Champions League winner and one of Europe's most dependable defenders, Manuel Akanji's journey is truly inspiring. At thirty years old, he is at the pinnacle of his abilities, combining physical prowess with exceptional intelligence and tactical awareness. With a net worth estimated by Icon Polls to be between $40 million and $45 million, he earns a substantial salary from his football contracts and leads a happy family life with his wife Melanie and their three children.

Fans can anticipate more memorable performances from this smart and committed defender as he continues his loan spell at Inter Milan and looks to the future with Manchester City. Akanji's versatility, poise, and football IQ have made him an invaluable asset to every team he's played for, whether it's winning domestic doubles with Basel, lifting the DFB-Pokal with Dortmund, achieving the historic treble with Manchester City, or currently competing in Serie A with Inter Milan.

Keep checking back to Icon Polls for thorough and trustworthy coverage on Manuel Akanji's work, wealth, and personal life.