Switzerland Calls Up Sion's Hot Scorer Boteli for Nations League

Switzerland Includes Rising Star Boteli in Nations League Squad

After impressing early this season, 20-year-old Sion forward Winsley Boteli earned his first call-up to the Swiss national team. The World Cup quarterfinalists selected him Thursday for upcoming Nations League matches, recognizing his swift rise and goal-scoring prowess.

Boteli has netted 12 goals in just 14 appearances so far, including a hat trick against Ajax last month during the Conference League qualifying playoffs. His form has reportedly caught the eye of Champions League clubs like Galatasaray and Porto, stirring transfer rumors.

The young Swiss youth international recently committed publicly to represent Switzerland, despite interest from Congo's federation, a country where he has family connections and which made it to the World Cup round of 32.

New Faces and Veterans in Yakin’s Squad

Coach Murat Yakin also introduced 20-year-old Parma defender Sascha Britschgi to the 25-man squad for the games against Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Captain Granit Xhaka returns after shining at the World Cup, extending his record to 152 appearances. The Sunderland midfielder will turn 34 right after Switzerland's opening Nations League match in North Macedonia on September 26.

Forward Breel Embolo, who faced a controversial red card in the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, is back following his transfer to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.

The squad also includes 21-year-old center back Zachary Athekame, currently on loan at Lyon from AC Milan, marking his return after his first call-up.

Geneva’s Contribution to the National Team

Among the squad are five players linked to Geneva’s Servette youth system: Boteli, Athekame, World Cup standout Johan Manzambi, Denis Zakaria, and Zeki Amdouni. Collectively, they only played six games for Servette. Zakaria, now captain at Monaco, featured in all those matches during the 2014-15 Swiss second division season.

On the same day, Manzambi shared a childhood photo with Athekame on Instagram, highlighting their long friendship.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Sept. 26: Switzerland vs. North Macedonia (away)
• Sept. 29: Scotland vs. Switzerland (away)
• Oct. 3: Switzerland hosts Slovenia (home, Lucerne)
• Oct. 6: Switzerland hosts North Macedonia (home, Lucerne)