Johan Manzambi is in contention for the best young player in the world award alongside Lamine Yamal, Yan Diomande, and Ayyoub Bouaddi. He scored three goals in four games for Switzerland at the World Cup before a knee injury ended his tournament, just a year after his full international debut. His rise has been rapid, recalling his time at Freiburg's academy where he washed clothes due to lacking a washing machine.

Bernhard Weis, who gave Manzambi his debut for Freiburg Under-19s, noted he would bring dirty clothes to the academy and escort younger players to the train station. Weis said he did not expect a Ballon d'Or nomination so soon, having only seen potential for the first team. Massimo Lombardo, Servette's academy director, praised Manzambi's mentality, personality, enthusiasm, and courage, calling his rapid development a real surprise.

Manzambi was named Europa League Young Player of the Season last year after scoring 12 goals in 61 appearances, helping Freiburg reach the final where they lost to Villa. Weis, now Freiburg II boss, highlighted Manzambi's Bundesliga-leading stats in progressive carries, shot-ending carries, and fouls won. Villa signed him as the most expensive Swiss player in history, surpassing Granit Xhaka's £38.25m move to Arsenal.

Weis believes Manzambi will play regularly at Villa for two seasons before moving to the next step, calling the Premier League the right path after the World Cup.