Atlanta United’s newest Designated Player needs little introduction.
Breel Embolo has made his name known across world football. Whether it be in his club career spanning across Switzerland, France and Germany or with the Swiss National Team on the World Cup stage, the forward has stood out and scored goals.
His story is one of assimilation and the power of sport, sharing culture through the game of football. We sat down with Embolo to ask him 17 Questions on his upbringing in football and life, what motivates him, Atlanta rap and more:
What was your first memory with football?
Somewhere [when I was] little, back in Cameroon.
You moved to Switzerland when you were 5 years old. How much do you remember about that transition?
For me, it was a big thing. I was happy because I [hadn’t] seen my mom in so long. That was the time I met her again. Of course, I have a lot of memories of playing football with my friends. I actually started because one of our friends in the neighborhood started going to a club, so we went there. It was a really, really hard time at the beginning, but in the end, it made a big difference. It changed my life.
You got your start at FC Basel, a historic Swiss club. What about that experience do you carry with you as a player and person today?
Everything. It's my hometown. It's my home. It's my first club. I have everything there: my friends, my family, my history. The club, it's amazing. It's a family club. We had a really great time over there. I had the chance to play with a lot of great players, learn from them, and I think the way I'm today it's a lot also because of what they tried to teach me when I was young. I'm really grateful for the time, and it will always be my home.
Did you have a footballer who you tried to model your game after when you were coming up?
I have a lot of people that I look up to. I would say, of course, in the beginning I mentioned before was Samuel Eto’o because he was a big, big player for my country. He was the biggest player in Cameroon, so [for me] to be a striker today, it's a lot because of him.
Who are some of your other idols?
As a Swiss, I love Roger Federer. He’s a role model for me, what he achieved and the way he is. I had the chance to get to know him. He’s a really humble guy, a lot of smiles.
So, you watch a lot of tennis?
Yes. When you grow up in Switzerland and you have the chance to grow up in the time of Federer, you need to [watch].
Former Atlanta Hawks player Clint Capela, who also comes from Switzerland, reached out to you and tried to convince you to come to Atlanta. Was there anyone else that gave you advice throughout your decision?
Clint was the first one. I can mention Tyler Heaps, the Sporting Director at San Diego FC helped me also. I know him from [my time at] Monaco. Clint was so excited because he used to play here. He knows the city really well. When I had any question about the club in the city and also the country, he was the first one who was pushing me to come here. I hope to see him more and hope to see him in the stadium.
Having competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in the United States, how did that play a role in you and your family’s comfort level making a move like this?
It pushed my family because at this moment I have two wonderful kids that still think we’re in the World Cup. I need to get them to school to show them it’s not World Cup time [anymore].
What are some of your early impressions of Atlanta as a city?
It's really nice. It's really green. I had the chance to go out with my kids to the aquarium. The people around are really kind. It's [a lot different] from home … Everything warm will come, so I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of other people and to see different things.
How much do you cherish the time you get with your family these days?
A lot, a lot. [Growing up] I was never alone. I would always be around a bunch of people. Now I’m 29, and I already have two kids. Family is a big, big part of my life. They give me a lot of energy in the bad times, and I'm trying to make them proud. I play for them, to make them proud, and that was always my target.
You used to play defensive midfield, how does that foundation help you as a forward?
To have that other view, trying to know what my number six would think, and to try to get the ball for me.
You’ve spoken very selflessly about your role coming into the team, even mentioning the defensive work you’re prepared to do. Even as a forward, why do you place so much emphasis on what you do out of possession?
I think it's important. I’ve always learned that we [as players] have more time without the ball than we have with the ball, so it's a big part of football. Trying to get the ball back as quick as possible, it starts always in front with the striker … It makes a difference as a striker if you win the ball up front and you're in front of the goal or behind and you have 70, 80 meters to go.
Going forward, your reputation for goalscoring precedes you. In your own words, what do you bring to the 5-Stripes in terms of final output?
I'm not obsessed that it's just me scoring. I'm a team player who looks that everyone can score, open the space for everyone. I always say, in the end, the job needs to be done. If I score, it's nice. If someone else scores, I'm the same way. In the end, it's all about the team.
As someone who immigrated yourself, you started a foundation to help people in similar life transitions. How did football help you assimilate and find your footing in a new country?
Because I'm the model that it has happened. I traveled at 5 without speaking German to Switzerland. My integration [came] out of football. Without football, I don't know what I would do today. But football, it connected me with a lot of different countries. We had a lot of Portuguese, Turkish, Albanian, and Spanish. We had a lot of [touchpoints] just because of the ball. You see when you are in a dressing room, it's a lot of cultures and a lot of languages. I think that football, it's a [reminder] that it could be really working when everybody just puts his ego [aside] and just enjoys the moment. I think that's also a big message that sport, not just football, but sport gives to the world.
You were highly touted as a young player, a wonderkid as many called you. How did you handle that expectation and carve out a career that you have?
When I started, I was young. I could play free. I think that's always the best thing. I always try to give my best. I'm not a cheater. I try to play with a smile, to enjoy the moment, to enjoy the games and to take memories. I think that's the thing. If you give everything, the people will feel that and will always be thankful. That's why I'm trying to go out there, have fun, and get the wins.
Now that you’re here in Atlanta, who are some of your favorite artists from the city? Â
I would say the old school, Outkast, of course. The new generation. You have a lot. You have Future, Gunna, but you have really a lot, so you cannot pick just one. I would say old school for sure. Outkast was one of the first song I was listening to when I came to Switzerland. When I found out [they] were from Atlanta, it was really fun.
And finally, what do you want the 17s to know about you?
I think we are all the same. I drink water and eat normal food. I’m an easy, chill guy. I’m happy to meet them and to make them happy. I hope to see many, many of them in the stadium and outside, and I hope we get our target done. I’m trying to make them happy and give them back the love they give us.
Read more of our 17 Questions series:
