Noah Okafor quits Switzerland under Murat Yakin, citing broken trust

Leeds United forward Noah Okafor used his Instagram account on Thursday to announce that he will no longer play for the Swiss national team while Murat Yakin remains manager. The 26‑year‑old has earned 26 caps for Switzerland since his debut in 2019. He stressed that the decision is unrelated to his playing time.

Trust broken after World Cup

Okafor recalled his brief involvement at the World Cup, where he featured for only 19 minutes as a substitute in the last‑32 victory over Algeria. "My decision has nothing to do with my playing time," he wrote, adding that "trust was broken" and that criticism over minor mistakes hurt him deeply. The striker said weeks of reflection led him to reject further involvement under the current coach.

Leeds United and AC Milan link

The player joined Leeds United from AC Milan in August 2025 for a fee of £18m. His move to the English club follows a period in which he featured at two World Cups for Switzerland, according to an Image source, Getty Images caption. While one report notes only a 19‑minute cameo, a separate source records four matches and two goals at the 2026 World Cup, highlighting a discrepancy in his tournament record.

The Swiss Football Association was informed of the decision on Thursday, and a spokesperson said they respect Okafor’s choice and wish him success with his club. Switzerland’s next fixture is an away Nations League match against North Macedonia on 26 September.

Murat Yakin has been head coach of Switzerland since August 2021, overseeing the side during the period in question. The manager’s tenure now faces scrutiny as a key forward steps away.

Okafor’s withdrawal arrives as Switzerland prepare for the 2026‑27 Nations League, underscoring internal tensions that could affect squad selection ahead of the competition.