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Breel Embolo

Breel Donald Embolo (born 14 February 1997) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Stade Rennais and the national team. Born in , , he moved to at the age of five with his mother and brothers due to limited opportunities in Africa, settling in where he began playing organized football from age nine. Naturalized as a citizen in December 2014, Embolo progressed through the youth ranks of FC Nordstern and Old Boys before joining FC Basel's academy at age 13 in 2010. Embolo made his professional debut for in March 2014 at age 17, quickly establishing himself as a key player with 31 goals and 21 assists in 90 appearances over two seasons. He contributed to three consecutive titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and became the youngest player to score in the that year at 17 years and 263 days old against Ludogorets . Transferring to Schalke 04 in 2016, he played 61 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 9 assists, and helped the team finish as runners-up in 2017–18. Embolo then moved to in 2019, where he recorded 25 goals and 20 assists in 106 appearances before joining AS in 2022 on a four-year deal. At , he achieved a career-high of 15 goals in the 2022–23 season and contributed to a league runners-up finish in 2023–24, though a ruptured in October 2023 sidelined him for nine months. In September 2025, Embolo signed a four-year contract with Stade Rennais, bringing his club experience to 346 appearances, 90 goals, and 63 assists across all competitions as of that date; since joining, he has made 9 appearances and scored 3 goals in the 2025–26 season as of November 2025. Internationally, Embolo debuted for in 2015 after rejecting overtures from , earning 81 caps and scoring 21 goals as of October 2025. He has been a pivotal figure in major tournaments, including (as the youngest squad member), Euro 2020, and Euro 2024, where he scored the opening goal in a 3–1 victory over . Embolo also featured at the , scoring against his birth country in a muted celebration that highlighted his dual heritage. Beyond , Embolo founded the Embolo Goal Foundation in 2015 at age 18 to aid children in and support education for disadvantaged youth in and , including programs for teenage mothers. Standing at 1.87 meters and known for his powerful right-footed strikes, , and versatility as a forward, Embolo embodies , having overcome early hardships and injuries to become a prominent figure in European .

Early life and personal background

Early life

Breel Embolo was born on 14 February 1997 in , the capital of , to Cameroonian parents. His early childhood in was marked by limited economic prospects, which his family later cited as a key motivation for seeking opportunities abroad. Embolo's parents separated when he was young, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings on her own. In pursuit of a better future, at the age of five, he relocated with his mother from to France. The family spent a short time there before moving to the area in , where his mother had formed a relationship with a national. Upon settling in around 2003, Embolo encountered significant challenges in integrating into local society, including language barriers and adapting to a new cultural mentality. As he later reflected, arriving in a completely different country as a young boy required time to learn the language and understand Swiss customs, shaping his early experiences in the country that would become his home.

Personal life

Breel Donald Embolo acquired Swiss citizenship on 12 December 2014. Embolo is in a long-term relationship with , whom he has referred to as his wife in public appearances; the couple welcomed their daughter in June 2018 and reside primarily in following his transfer to AS Monaco in 2022, while maintaining close family ties in . In 2015, at the age of 18, Embolo established the Embolo Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing sustainable support to people in precarious situations, including children in and disadvantaged youth in and through financial aid, initiatives, and sports activities. The foundation has funded projects such as a tournament in to promote integration via , emphasizing and self-help to foster long-term prospects for beneficiaries. Embolo has faced several off-field incidents in adulthood. In January 2021, he was involved in a on an illegal party during restrictions, fleeing via rooftops before being caught. In June 2023, a fined him a conditional CHF 135,000 (approximately €140,000) for threatening behavior during a street altercation outside a . In September 2025, during his appeal at the , Embolo was questioned over public insults and arguments related to the incident but maintained he made no threats; the upheld the original conditional while rejecting further charges. Embolo has publicly expressed his dual cultural identity as Swiss-Cameroonian, stating a deep connection to both heritages despite being born in and raised in ; he demonstrated this by refusing to celebrate a goal against at the out of respect for his birth country, where much of his extended family resides.

Club career

Early career

Embolo began his youth football career in after moving there with his family. He first joined FC Nordstern Basel in 2006 at the age of nine, playing there until 2008. He then moved to from 2008 to 2010, where he continued to develop his skills in local youth competitions. In 2010, at age 13, Embolo joined the youth academy, marking a significant step in his progression. He quickly advanced through the ranks, featuring for the U-16 and U-18 teams, and contributed to the U-16 squad's in securing the Swiss youth championship in the 2011–12 and 2012–13 seasons. His performances earned him the Young Player of the Year award in 2013. Embolo also stood out in the 2013–14 with Basel's U-19 side, showcasing his potential in European youth competition before transitioning to senior levels. Embolo signed his first professional contract with shortly after his 17th birthday in early 2014. He made his professional debut for the first team on 13 March 2014, coming on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Salzburg. Three days later, on 16 March 2014, he appeared in his first match, substituting in a 5–0 home win over . These early appearances highlighted his rapid rise from the youth system without any prior loans or extended reserve stints.

FC Basel

Embolo made his professional debut for on 13 March 2014, substituting in the round of 16 second leg against , though Basel were eliminated on away goals. Three days later, on 16 March 2014, he made his Swiss Super League debut as a substitute against , scoring his first senior goal four minutes after entering the pitch to conclude a 5–0 victory. During his tenure from 2014 to 2016, Embolo appeared in 90 matches across all competitions, scoring 31 goals and providing 21 assists, transitioning from a promising substitute to a regular starter as a versatile forward capable of playing centrally or on the wing. In the 2014–15 season, he contributed 16 goals in 40 appearances, including 10 in the , 5 in the —where he finished as the second-highest scorer behind Marco Schneuwly's 6—and 1 in the group stage, notably opening the scoring in a 4–0 home win over Ludogorets on 4 2014. His efforts helped Basel secure the title, their sixth consecutive, while reaching the Champions League knockout stage after topping a group with Real Madrid and . In the 2015–16 campaign, Embolo solidified his role with 13 goals in 40 outings, including another 10 in the league and 2 in the group stage, as Basel again clinched the title. His breakout form was recognized with the Young Player of the Year award for 2014–15 and the honor in 2015, making him the youngest recipient at age 18. Embolo's rapid development culminated in his departure from Basel in June 2016, when Schalke 04 signed him for a then-record €25 million fee for a Swiss player, ending his formative professional spell at the club.

Schalke 04

Breel Embolo joined Schalke 04 from on 26 2016, signing a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of €25 million, marking the club's record signing at the time. He made his debut for the club on 20 August 2016 in the first round, starting and scoring in a 4–1 away win against sixth-tier . His Bundesliga debut followed on 27 August 2016, as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to . Embolo scored his first Bundesliga goals on 2 October 2016, netting a brace in Schalke's 2–0 home victory over , contributing significantly to the team's early-season form. However, his tenure was plagued by injuries, beginning with a broken left ankle sustained on 15 October 2016 during a 1–1 draw at , which required surgery and sidelined him for four to six months. A subsequent injury from 2 March to 14 August further limited him, causing him to miss 22 games and undergo surgery. To regain during the –18 , Embolo was loaned to Schalke II, helping him build stamina amid ongoing recovery challenges. Despite the setbacks, Embolo featured in 21 matches during the 2017–18 season, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists, as Schalke finished as runners-up behind Bayern Munich in a remarkable campaign that secured qualification. Additional injuries, including a minor issue in April 2018 and a foot from November 2018 to March 2019 that caused him to miss 20 games, restricted his overall involvement. Over three seasons, he made 61 appearances for Schalke, scoring 12 goals. Embolo's departure came amid contract disputes and frustration over limited starting opportunities, culminating in a €10 million transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 28 June 2019, where he signed a four-year deal.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Breel Embolo joined Borussia Mönchengladbach from Schalke 04 on 28 June 2019, signing a four-year contract, marking a fresh start after injury-plagued years at his previous club. During his three-season tenure from 2019 to 2022, he made 106 appearances across all competitions, scoring 25 goals and providing 21 assists, with the majority in the Bundesliga where he featured in 88 matches. Embolo's time at the club represented a revival, as he regained consistency and contributed to the team's competitive campaigns under coach Marco Rose, who emphasized high-pressing tactics that suited his athletic profile. In the 2019–20 season, Embolo broke out with 10 goals in all competitions, including 8 in the , helping secure fourth place and qualification for the —their first since 2015. He became a regular starter, often deployed as a second striker alongside , showcasing versatility by dropping deep to link play and exploiting spaces with his pace and dribbling. The following 2020–21 campaign saw him adapt to European football, starting consistently in the Champions League group stage before the team dropped to the Europa League knockout phase, where they reached the quarter-finals; domestically, pushed for Europa League qualification but finished 10th. Embolo recorded 7 goals and 8 assists that season, praised for his improved work rate in pressing and defensive contributions that aligned with Rose's intense style. A standout moment came on 27 2021 in the second round, when Embolo scored twice in a 5–0 upset victory over Bayern Munich, including a clinical finish that highlighted his finishing ability and contributed to one of the club's most memorable results. By his final 2021–22 season, he had evolved further into a forward capable of playing as a winger or central , netting 12 goals across competitions while providing key assists in crucial matches. His reliability under earned commendations for his pressing intensity and duel-winning prowess, with Embolo averaging over 50% success in aerial and ground challenges. Embolo departed in July 2022, transferring to AS Monaco for a reported fee of €12.5 million shortly after Switzerland's qualifiers concluded, ending his stint on a high note with renewed form and tactical maturity.

AS Monaco

Breel Embolo joined AS Monaco on 15 July 2022, signing a four-year contract from for a transfer fee of €12.5 million. During his tenure, which lasted until September 2025, he made approximately 90 appearances across all competitions, scoring 22 goals. His time at the club was marked by a promising debut season followed by a significant setback from injury. In the 2022–23 season, Embolo enjoyed a strong start in , contributing 15 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions, including participation in the group stage where finished third behind and Real Madrid. His performances helped secure a third-place finish in the league, qualifying for the again the following year. Embolo's progress was halted in August 2023 when he suffered a severe (ACL) tear during training, ruling him out for nearly a year. The injury limited him to just five appearances and one goal in the 2023–24 season before his long absence. He made his return in October 2024, featuring in 's match against . The 2024–25 season saw Embolo struggle for consistent starts post-injury, managing six goals in 29 appearances amid competition for places in the forward line. On 1 September 2025, as his contract entered its final year, Embolo transferred to fellow side Stade Rennais for €13 million, ending his spell at .

Stade Rennais

On 1 September 2025, Breel Embolo transferred from AS Monaco to on a four-year contract until 2029, for a reported fee of €13 million. The move marked a fresh start for the centre-forward following an injury-plagued spell at , allowing him to integrate into a squad aiming for European qualification under Habib Beye. Embolo quickly adapted to Rennes' attacking tactics, which emphasize high pressing and quick transitions, positioning him as the primary striker in Ligue 1. In the 2025–26 season, Embolo made 9 appearances for by early November 2025, starting 6 matches and accumulating 519 minutes on the pitch. He contributed 3 goals and 0 assists, showcasing his physical presence and finishing ability in the final third. His first goal for the club came on 5 October 2025, in the 10th minute, opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw against . Subsequent strikes followed against and , highlighting his growing influence in key fixtures. Embolo's early performances have been pivotal in Rennes' mid-table push, with his hold-up play and aerial duels complementing the team's midfield runners. As of November 2025, his market value stands at €12 million, reflecting a stable valuation post-transfer. This stint also serves as crucial preparation for Switzerland's campaign, where Embolo aims to solidify his role in the national team.

International career

Youth international career

Born in , , Breel Embolo moved to at the age of six with his mother, gaining residency there and becoming eligible for dual international representation with both and . He ultimately chose to play for , citing his long-term upbringing and integration in the country, and received citizenship in December 2014, which solidified his eligibility for the Swiss youth and senior teams. Embolo began his youth international career with the Swiss U15 and U16 teams in , making his debut that year. He earned 4 caps for the U16 side, including his first international goal on , , during a 3–0 friendly victory against U16. He progressed to the U17 level, where he featured prominently in the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers, accumulating over 10 caps and scoring 5 goals across his U17 appearances. Embolo had limited involvement with the U19 team but made his U21 debut in 2016, going on to earn around 10 caps and score 3 goals at that level before transitioning to the senior team. In total, he amassed approximately 30 caps across 's youth teams, with key contributions in qualifiers for major tournaments like the .

Senior international career

Breel Embolo made his senior international debut for on March 31, 2015, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against the in Zürich. At just 18 years old, he earned his first cap under coach , marking the start of a that saw him become a consistent presence in the national team setup. Embolo scored his first senior goal for on October 9, 2015, in a 7–0 friendly victory over , contributing to an emphatic performance during his early integration into the squad. As of October 2025, he had accumulated 81 caps and 21 goals, often lining up alongside teammates like and evolving into a key starter under Petković and his successor . Embolo featured prominently in Switzerland's major tournaments, beginning with , where he made four appearances as the team advanced to the round of 16 before elimination. At the , he played in all four matches during the group stage and round of 16 exit. He contributed five caps and one goal at , helping Switzerland reach the quarter-finals after knocking out in the round of 16. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Embolo appeared in all four matches, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in a 1–0 group stage win over on November 24, 2022; born in , he chose not to celebrate out of respect for his country of birth, a praised by opponents. exited in the round of 16 after that tournament. At , he recorded five appearances and two goals (the third in a 3–1 group stage win over and the opener in a 1–1 quarter-final loss to on penalties), as advanced from the group stage (after a 3–1 win over , 1–1 draw with , and 0–3 loss to ), defeated on penalties in the round of 16, before their quarter-final elimination. In the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, Embolo made five appearances for Switzerland in League A, providing one assist as the team competed in Group 4. Entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he played pivotal roles in early wins, scoring three goals across 4–0 and 3–0 victories over Kosovo and Slovenia in September 2025, positioning Switzerland strongly in their campaign.

Playing style

Overview

Breel Embolo primarily operates as a centre-forward, demonstrating versatility by deploying as a or right winger depending on tactical demands. His right-footed preference allows him to cut inside from wide areas or hold position centrally to link play. Standing at 1.87 m and weighing approximately 87 kg, Embolo possesses an imposing physical that enhances his aerial presence and in duels. He has recorded a top speed of up to 34 km/h, enabling explosive runs behind defenses, while maintaining a strong record in physical contests with a high success rate in defensive duels. Embolo's key strengths include adept to take on defenders one-on-one, proficiency in delivering long balls, and from distance with a mix of power and placement. He frequently draws fouls due to his direct style, and exhibits a sharp goal-scoring instinct, having netted 92 goals across his club career as of November 2025. As a powerful runner who prefers playing the ball off the ground, he excels in transitions, though he occasionally commits fouls in his aggressive pressing. Despite his strengths, Embolo can exhibit occasional finishing inefficiency under pressure, particularly when holding onto the ball in tight spaces. This has led to moments of inconsistency in converting chances during high-stakes scenarios.

Evolution and comparisons

Embolo's early career at showcased a playing style defined by raw power and explosive speed, allowing him to overpower defenders and burst into spaces with physical dominance. This approach drew comparisons to a young , particularly in terms of physicality and ability to serve as a robust target forward. During his time at , Embolo's style evolved toward greater technical proficiency, incorporating more intricate dribbling to navigate tight spaces and exploit half-spaces against organized defenses. He shifted from a predominantly central role to versatile positioning across the front line, including wide forward and winger duties, enhancing his ability to drop deep or stretch play. Following his tear in August 2023, which sidelined him for 232 days, Embolo adapted by prioritizing intelligent positioning and timing in the over his prior reliance on explosive runs, allowing him to remain effective upon his April 2024 return. Coaches like , who managed Embolo at , praised his versatility and physical qualities in fitting high-pressing systems, noting his "enormous qualities" in duels and adaptability. However, experts have critiqued his consistency, observing stronger reliability in the —where he developed finishing and passing acumen—compared to , where post-injury performances showed uneven integration into attacking rotations. Embolo's attributes, including his Cameroonian heritage and imposing strength, have led to frequent comparisons with , particularly in their shared physical presence and goal-scoring prowess from the forward line. His career trajectory reflects a maturation from a "rebellious talent" prone to disciplinary issues into a more disciplined forward, as observed in his growing commitment to consistent contributions. Since joining Stade Rennais in September 2025, Embolo has emphasized leadership through his extensive experience—81 caps and 21 goals for as of October 2025 and 349 club appearances as of November 2025—while focusing on playmaking, accumulating 67 club assists as of November 2025. This shift underscores his role in guiding teammates with unselfish final passes and box influence, marking a continued evolution toward a well-rounded, team-oriented presence in his early tenure at , where he has made 9 appearances and scored 3 goals by November 2025.

Statistics and honours

Club statistics

Breel Embolo has made 356 appearances in club competitions, scoring 93 goals and providing 65 assists as of November 14, 2025. The following table summarizes his statistics by club across all competitions (league, domestic cups, and European competitions), excluding friendlies and youth/reserve matches such as his loan at Schalke II.
ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
903121
Schalke 04711611
1062520
AS Monaco892213
Stade Rennais1030
Total3569365
Detailed seasonal breakdowns are available on specialized databases, aggregating data from official records. For instance, during the 2024/25 season at , Embolo recorded 39 appearances, 7 goals, and 7 assists across competitions. In the 2025/26 season with Stade Rennais, he has made 9 appearances and scored 3 goals in as of early .

International statistics

Breel Embolo has represented the senior national team since his debut in 2015, accumulating 82 caps and 21 goals as of 2025. His contributions include participation in multiple tournaments, where he has demonstrated his scoring ability in high-stakes matches. In the , Embolo appeared in all three group stage games, scoring in the 3–2 victory over and the only goal in a 1–0 win against (with a muted celebration highlighting his dual heritage). At , he featured in the opening match against , netting the tournament's first goal before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the competition. Embolo also contributed to 's campaigns, including the 2024/25 edition, with notable appearances against teams like and . The following table summarizes Embolo's senior international appearances and goals by major tournament:
TournamentAppearancesGoals
30
FIFA World Cup 201810
40
FIFA World Cup 202231
11
(2018–2025)152
Total (major tournaments)274
Overall senior statistics include additional appearances in qualifiers (15 apps, 7 goals) and European qualifiers (11 apps, 2 goals), contributing to his career totals. At level, Embolo progressed through Switzerland's national teams, earning approximately 30 caps and scoring around 10 goals across the U16, U17, U19, and U21 categories before his senior debut. He made 4 appearances for the U16 side, including his first goal in 2012, and featured prominently in U17 and U19 squads during qualification campaigns.

Individual awards

  • FC Basel Young Player of the Year: 2013.
  • Swiss Super League Young Player of the Year: 2014–15.
  • Swiss Cup top scorer: 2014–15 (6 goals).
  • Swiss Super League Player of the Year: 2014–15.

Team honours

With FC Basel

  • Swiss Super League: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16.
  • Swiss Cup: 2014–15.

With FC Schalke 04

  • Bundesliga runner-up: 2017–18.

With AS Monaco and Stade Rennais

Embolo has not won any major team titles with AS Monaco or Stade Rennais.

International honours

  • UEFA European Championship participant: 2016, 2021, 2024 (with ).
  • FIFA World Cup participant: 2018, 2022 (with ).
Embolo participated in the World Cups of 2018 and 2022 with but has not won any major international titles.