Nicolas Bosshardt: Switzerland's next gem from Brazil? Murat Yakin confirms interest

Picture this: an 18-year-old kid with a Swiss passport, lining up in defence for Brazilian record champions Sao Paulo FC, playing down the left flank as if he'd been schooled in the art of samba. That's Nicolas Bosshardt for you. And if you haven't heard the name yet, you'd better remember it – especially after yesterday. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has confirmed what the rumour mill has been cooking up for a while: we want to get this lad on board.

"Firmly on our radar": Yakin lets the cat out of the bag

When Yakin announced his squad for the friendlies against Germany and Norway yesterday, he suddenly started talking about a player who's still relatively unknown back home. Nicolas Bosshardt is the name of this hot prospect, and the Switzerland boss laid his cards on the table: "He's firmly on our radar," said Yakin, making no secret of the fact that the national team are keeping a close eye on the left-footer. Sources suggest that informal contacts have already been made, with the aim of letting the youngster know they're interested.

So what is it about the teenager that appeals to Yakin? "He's a left-back, strong, young, and playing in a top league." It sounds straightforward, but in today's game, it's a real asset. You don't find a left-back with his physical presence who's also playing week in, week out against men in Brazil every day. Yakin even revealed they've been in touch with Bosshardt: "It's about letting the player feel our interest. I'll certainly go and visit him at some point."

From Cotia to Europe: A dual national with world-class potential

If you're thinking this is just another run-of-the-mill talent getting hyped after a couple of good games, think again. Bosshardt comes from the famous Cotia academy, the same production line that brought us legends like Kaká and Casemiro. He's been with Sao Paulo since he was eleven, and made his professional debut in November. It's been a rapid rise ever since. In January, the club handed him an early contract extension until the end of 2029, complete with a hefty release clause: a cool €60 million for foreign clubs, and around R$110 million for Brazilian sides – a serious figure that shows just how highly the hierarchy rate him. Insiders in Sao Paulo suggest the club's board see him as a future cornerstone of the team.

And then there's the passport situation. His father is Swiss, his mother Brazilian. That makes the 18-year-old not only interesting for us, but also attracts plenty of Europe's elite. Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart are said to be keen. Stuttgart, in particular, have a bit of an inside track, having established a youth partnership with Sao Paulo back in January 2025. Bosshardt has even already been over for a training stint in Germany – a clear sign they've got him firmly in their sights.

What makes Bosshardt so special – a closer look at the rough diamond

I've watched a few clips of him and spoken to some contacts in Brazil. The consensus is clear: this kid has that relentless drive you need to make it to the very top. Plus, he's got genuine footballing quality:

• Physicality: At 18, he's already a unit, strong in the tackle, but still has pace. Yakin mentioned "strong" – and you can see it on the pitch.
• Attacking intent: Loves to get forward down the left, playing low crosses, but also delivering accurate balls from wide. He's shown glimpses of that in the Sao Paulo state championship.
• Composure: Doesn't get flustered, even when opponents are closing him down. He's got that South American calmness in possession.
• Mentality: Helped the U20s win the Copa do Brasil last year, even scoring in the final. That's the kind of character you need in tournaments.

The battle for the national team shirt: Switzerland or Brazil?

Now for the most intriguing part. Sure, Switzerland have made their move. But Bosshardt could still opt for Brazil – after all, he was born and raised there and has come through all their youth ranks. The Seleção, as we know, don't sleep on talent, and they've obviously got the wonderkid on their radar too. Barcelona, Roma, Milan – they're all rumoured to have made enquiries to Sao Paulo. There's been plenty of chatter in Brazilian football circles that the lad could be set for a move to Europe before too long.

But Yakin wouldn't be Yakin if he didn't stay on the case. We've seen it before: a year ago, he brought in two dual nationals, Lucas Blondel and Stefan Gartenmann, seemingly out of nowhere. They didn't manage to establish themselves permanently, but the principle is sound.

"Whether it'll be enough for the World Cup this summer remains to be seen," Yakin admitted honestly. And that's the crux of it. The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada might come just a bit too soon for the youngster. But once you're on Yakin's radar, it's only a matter of time before you end up in the squad. If Nicolas Bosshardt keeps performing like he has over the past few months, then a future in red and white looks very much on the cards. Except, perhaps, if Brazil come calling.

As for me, I'll be watching the Paulista championship with a different eye from now on. Because there's something pretty cool about knowing there's an 18-year-old with Swiss roots tearing it up on the pitches of Sao Paulo. And who knows – maybe we'll see him tearing down the left wing in a Switzerland shirt before too long. The gaffer Yakin will sort it.