Tall in stature but down-to-earth: an introduction to Cédric Zesiger

FC Augsburg have signed Cédric Zesiger on loan from VfL Wolfsburg until the end of the 2024/25 season. FCA also have a buy option for the centre-back, who is already familiar with playing in the Bundesliga. Read all about our new signing below.

With 30 appearances in the German top flight already under his belt, the Swiss centre-half is no stranger to Bundesliga football. His move to FCA, however, will signal a first opportunity to get some minutes in the division for a side other than VfL.

From Swiss champion to Bundesliga defender

Zesiger began his footballing career with FC Müntscheimer, a club situated just a few miles from his home town in the French part of Switzerland. Our new number 16 then made the move to join Neuchatel Xamax FCS three years later, before signing for Grasshopper Club seven years after that. It was with the Zürich-based side that he was handed his first taste of first-division football in the Swiss Super League.

His next step was taken in the summer of 2019, when he joined former Swiss champions Young Boys, although he failed to win the league title in his first two seasons with the club. Nevertheless, he did get the chance to play in continental competition for the first time, featuring in the Europa League group stage. A year later, the side made it all the way to the knockout stages of that particular European competition, before the left-footed player made his debut in the Champions League in the campaign that followed. A fond farewell with Young Boys in 2023 was marked by the success of a third Swiss league title in 2023 before his footballing journey continued at VfL Wolfsburg. The four-time Switzerland international’s performances had caught the attention of the Bundesliga club, making a further 37 appearances for his nation at youth level. His move to Germany signified his first professional venture abroad.

Quiet off the pitch but loud on it

Cédric Zesiger has a close connection with his home. Having grown up in the idyllic setting of Meyriez by Lake Morat in the French part of Switzerland, the defender often helped out on the farm as a child. There he learned the value of hard work, even when it was already clear to him that he wanted to become a professional footballer. Nevertheless, he made sure to receive a good education alongside his footballing development throughout his youth. The Swiss also describes himself as family-oriented: “I grew up in very ordinary circumstances so I’m a pretty down-to-earth guy with strong family values,” he said following his arrival in Augsburg. His family often make the trip to Germany to be in attendance at his games.

However, on the pitch, Cédric Zesiger is the complete opposite of the quiet person that he is off of it. Due to his height and physical prowess, he established himself as a defender early on in his career and can play at both left- and centre-back. The 26-year-old described his style of play: “I love making tackles and being vocal.” His new sporting director and compatriot Marinko Jurendic is looking forward to seeing the new acquisition in action: “Cédric is a strong defender who provides a further option for our defence, offering a robust and intense style of play. He knows the Bundesliga well already and can lend immediate reinforcement. The signing of Cédric also means we can compensate for the lack of options at the back, something which has arisen at short notice. We are very much looking forward to working with him. We wish Cédric a fast start and every success at FCA.”

On top of that, Zesiger is already familiar with the WWK ARENA having featured for VfL Wolfsburg against Augsburg in October of last season. The visitors were beaten 3-2 by FCA in head coach Jess Thorup’s home debut. “The atmosphere is great and I’m looking forward to having the support of these fans,” said the Switzerland international.

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