# Johan Manzambi's rapid rise to European star

> 2-year-old Swiss star Johan Manzambi joins Aston Villa after rapid rise from Freiburg academy.
- Title: Johan Manzambi's rapid rise to European star · BBC Sport
- Summary: 2-year-old Swiss star Johan Manzambi joins Aston Villa after rapid rise from Freiburg academy. Johan Manzambi became a European star in two years after…
- Keywords: johan manzambi, aston villa, freiburg, switzerland, nfl, premier league, ballon dor, europa league, sports, Johan, Manzambi's, rapid
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ck62m1dv8gjqo
- Published: 2026-09-29T07:06:12.751+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: johan manzambi, aston villa, freiburg, switzerland, nfl, premier league, ballon dor, europa league, sports
## Johan Manzambi's breakthrough
Johan Manzambi scored his first goal for Aston Villa against Tottenham.

> Johan Manzambi scored on his full villa debut to help secure a first premier league win of the season
## Two years to fame
Manzambi became a european star in two years after joining freiburg.

> The 20-year-old could be named young talent of the year at the ballon d'or ceremony next month
## £50m transfer
Aston Villa paid over £50m for Manzambi from Freiburg.

> Aston Villa paid more than £50m for a player with just 47 club starts
## Swiss international
Manzambi scored three goals for Switzerland at the World Cup.

> He scored three goals in four games for switzerland at the world cup before a knee injury ended his tournament
## Academy life
Manzambi washed clothes for Freiburg academy players.

> He would pick up some young guys from the under-13s and under-14s and take them to the train station
## Mentality matters
Manzambi's mental strength helped him become a top player.

> Mentally he was always a player who, when he came into the training session and games, always wanted to do something important
## Record-breaking move
Villa signed Manzambi as the most expensive swiss player in history.

> Villa turned the versatile forward into the most expensive swiss player in history
## Next step
Manzambi aims to play for switzerland and then move to the premier league.

> After the world cup i said he must go to the premier league
## Key takeaway

Johan Manzambi became a European star in two years after signing for Aston Villa from Freiburg for over £50m.