Switzerland Calls Up In-Form Sion Striker Winsley Boteli for Nations League

The Swiss national team, fresh from reaching the World Cup quarterfinals, has named 20-year-old forward Winsley Boteli of Sion in its latest squad for the Nations League. His impressive start to the season, with 12 goals in 14 appearances, earned him this first international call-up. Boteli’s recent performances have caught the eye of clubs like Galatasaray and Porto, both linked to potential transfers.

Boteli notably scored a hat trick last month against Ajax during the Conference League qualifying playoffs. His commitment to Switzerland was confirmed publicly last week, despite interest from Congo’s soccer federation—a country he has family connections to and which made it to the World Cup round of 32.

Additional New Faces and Veteran Returns

Alongside Boteli, 20-year-old Parma defender Sascha Britschgi received his first call-up as part of the 25-player squad preparing for Nations League matches against Scotland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

Captain Granit Xhaka will be back after a strong World Cup showing, extending his record to 152 appearances for Switzerland. The Sunderland midfielder will turn 34 just one day after Switzerland’s opening Nations League match at North Macedonia on September 26.

Breel Embolo, who faced an unfortunate red card in the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina, is included following his move to MLS side Atlanta United. Another uncapped player, 21-year-old center back Zachary Athekame, returns to the squad while on loan from AC Milan to Lyon.

Geneva Connections Among Squad Members

The squad features five players linked to Geneva’s football scene, including Boteli and Athekame, alongside World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi, midfielder Denis Zakaria, and forward Zeki Amdouni. Together, these five have only played six games for Servette, the club where they spent time in the youth system. Zakaria, now captain at Monaco, appeared in all six matches in Switzerland’s second division during the 2014-15 season.

Manzambi shared a childhood photo with Athekame on Instagram, highlighting their longstanding friendship. Switzerland faces Scotland away on September 29 before hosting Slovenia and North Macedonia in consecutive home games in Lucerne.

• Nationals League Squad Highlights:
• New Call-ups: Winsley Boteli (Sion), Sascha Britschgi (Parma), Zachary Athekame (on loan at Lyon)
• Veteran Return: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) - 152 caps
• Other Key Players: Breel Embolo (Atlanta United), Johan Manzambi, Denis Zakaria (Monaco captain), Zeki Amdouni
• Upcoming Matches: vs North Macedonia (Sept 26), at Scotland (Sept 29), vs Slovenia and North Macedonia (home games in Lucerne)