Yann Sommer – Swiss Footballer of the Year for 2021

Borussia goalkeeper Yann Sommer was awarded the title of Swiss Footballer of the Year for 2021 at the first virtual “Swiss Football Night”.

Yann Sommer has been the ever-reliable number one for the Swiss national team for years, and in 2021 earned himself the title of “Elfmeterkiller” (penalty expert), most notably after performances in the penalty shootout in the round of 16 of the European Championships and in World Cup qualification. After a brilliant year, the 33-year-old has now been named Player of the Year for the Swiss men’s national team (Credit Suisse Male National Player 2021).

Because of current Coronavirus measures, the award ceremony at the first edition of Swiss Football Night took place via a virtual events platform. Sommer was surprised with the award a few days earlier by Breel Embolo, with whom he plays both for Switzerland and for the Foals. “You are an incredible player both for the Swiss national team and for the club. If anyone deserves this it’s you,” said Breel Embolo. “You are still improving and are a role model for us all. I’m so pleased to be able to present you with this award.” Sommer looked to be overwhelmed and grateful.

The panel who made the decision was made up of coaches from various teams in Switzerland. Nominated alongside Sommer in the category of Male National Player 2021 were Olympique Lyon’s Xherdan Shaqiri and Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka.