Nicolas Bosshardt: The Next Swiss Gem from Brazil? Murat Yakin Confirms Interest

Imagine this: An 18-year-old kid with a Swiss passport, holding down the defence for Brazilian record champions FC São Paulo and playing that left side like he grew up in a samba school. That's Nicolas Bosshardt for you. And if the name doesn't ring a bell yet, you'd better remember it – especially after yesterday. National team coach Murat Yakin has confirmed what's been brewing in the rumour mill for a while: We want to get this young man.

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

When Yakin announced the squad for the friendlies against Germany and Norway yesterday, he suddenly started talking about a player hardly anyone back home had even heard of. The super talent's name is Nicolas Bosshardt, and the Nati coach laid his cards on the table: "He's definitely on our radar," Yakin said, making no secret that the Swiss national team is keeping a close eye on the left-footer. Word is, they've already made some informal contact and want to let the boy know they're interested.

What does Yakin like so much about the teenager? "He's a left-back, strong, young, and playing in a top league." Sounds like a simple equation, but in today's football, it's a real asset. You don't find a left-back every day who's already so physically developed and regularly playing against men in Brazil. Yakin even revealed they've been in touch with Bosshardt: "It's about making sure the player feels our interest. I'll definitely go and visit him too."

From Cotia to Europe: A dual citizen 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 youth academy, the same one that produced legends like Kaká and Casemiro. He's been with FC São Paulo since he was eleven, and made his professional debut in November. It's been a rapid rise since then. In January, the club extended his contract early until the end of 2029, slapping on a hefty release clause: A cool €60 million for foreign clubs, and around R$110 million for Brazilian teams – a serious figure that shows just how much the club rates him. Insiders from São Paulo confirm that the management sees him as a future cornerstone of the team.

And then there's the passport situation. His dad is Swiss, his mum is Brazilian. That makes the 18-year-old not only interesting for us, but also attracts plenty of European top clubs. Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart are said to be keen. Especially Stuttgart have a closer connection, as they've had a youth partnership with São Paulo since January 2025. Bosshardt has even already been for a training stint in Germany – a clear sign they've got their eyes on him.

What makes Bosshardt so special – the rough diamond analysis

I've watched a few clips of him and chatted with some contacts in Brazil. What everyone confirms: This kid has that absolute willpower you need to make it to the very top. Plus, he's got genuine football quality:

• Physique: Already a unit at 18, strong in the tackle, but still quick. Yakin mentioned "strong" – and you can see it on the pitch.
• Attacking instinct: Loves to bomb down the left flank, drilling low crosses but also delivering pinpoint accurate ones. He's shown glimpses of this in the São Paulo state championship.
• Composure on the ball: Doesn't get flustered, even when three opponents are closing him down. Has that South American calmness in his build-up play.
• Mindset: Won the Copa do Brasil with the U20s last year and even scored in the final. You need characters like that in tournaments.

The battle for the national jersey: Switzerland or Brazil?

Now for the most exciting part. Sure, Switzerland has already made contact. But Bosshardt could still choose Brazil – after all, he was born and raised there and has come through all their junior levels. The 'Seleção' doesn't sleep, and of course they've got the massive talent on their radar too. Barcelona, Roma, Milan – all rumoured to have made inquiries with São Paulo. There's been chatter in Brazilian football circles for a while that the kid could soon make the leap to Europe.

But Yakin wouldn't be Yakin if he didn't stay on the case. We've seen this from him before: A year ago, he brought dual citizens Lucas Blondel and Stefan Gartenmann into the Nati seemingly out of nowhere. They might not have cemented their places, but the principle is sound.

"Whether he'll make it for the World Cup this summer, we'll have to see," Yakin said honestly. And that's exactly the point. The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada might come a bit too soon for the youngster this summer. But once you're on Yakin's radar, you usually end up in the squad sooner or later. If Nicolas Bosshardt keeps performing like he has in recent months, then nothing stands in the way of a red-and-white future. Except, maybe, Brazil.

For my part, I'll be watching the Paulista championship with a different perspective now. Because somehow, it's a pretty cool feeling knowing there's an 18-year-old with Swiss roots tearing it up on the pitch in São Paulo. And who knows – maybe we'll see him flying down the left wing in a Nati shirt soon enough. We'll leave it to Mr Yakin to work his magic.