Samuel Essende has emerged as the early leader in the Swiss Super League’s race for the Golden Boot after a prolific start to the season with BSC Young Boys.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo international has scored seven goals to move to the top of the scoring charts, ahead of players including Winsley Boteli. Essende has also provided three assists, underlining his wider contribution to Young Boys’ attack.
His form has strengthened the expectations that followed his arrival in Bern and made him one of the most prominent players in the league during the opening weeks of the campaign.
A significant signing for Young Boys
Essende joined BSC Young Boys in February 2026 after playing in Germany for Augsburg. The Swiss club is reported to have paid nearly 3 million euros for the striker, making the deal one of the most substantial transfers in Young Boys’ history.
The 28-year-old is under contract with the club until 2029. Transfermarkt currently values him at 2.5 million euros, although his performances at the start of the season could affect that estimate in the coming months.
Essende’s immediate impact has given Young Boys a return on their investment on the pitch, with his goals and assists helping him establish himself as the Super League’s leading scorer.
From Paris Saint-Germain academy to international football
Born in Montfermeil, France, on 23 January 1998, Essende spent part of his youth development at Paris Saint-Germain.
Although he was born and raised in France, he chose to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo at international level. His career has since taken him through French football development, a spell in Germany and now a prominent role in Switzerland.
His current scoring record has placed him firmly in the spotlight at Young Boys, where he is enjoying the best statistical start of his time in the Swiss top flight.
Young Boys’ next fixture will come in the eighth round of the Swiss championship against FC Lugano. The betting company 1xbet lists odds of 2.30 for a BSC Young Boys victory, 3.60 for a draw and 2.35 for an FC Lugano win.