Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka — Life, Career, and Notable Insights

Learn about Granit Xhaka — Swiss midfielder, captain, and versatile leader. Explore his journey, playing style, achievements, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Granit Xhaka (born September 27, 1992) is a Swiss professional footballer of Albanian descent who plays in midfield. Over a career spanning Switzerland, Germany, England, and back, he has built a reputation as a technically gifted, vocal leader — sometimes divisive, but always influential. He has captained his national side, won domestic trophies, and recently returned to the English Premier League with Sunderland.

Early Life and Background

Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland on September 27, 1992.

He has an older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer.

From a young age, Xhaka was involved in youth football in Basel, playing for Concordia Basel before moving to FC Basel’s youth setup.

Club Career

Basel & Early Professional Years

Xhaka progressed through Basel’s youth ranks and made his senior debut around 2010.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

In 2012, Xhaka transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Arsenal

In May 2016, Arsenal signed Xhaka from Gladbach, reportedly for around £30 million.

He won two FA Cup titles with Arsenal.

At one point, he was made club captain. However, after a contentious incident where he was substituted and responded to booing fans with gestures, the captaincy was stripped.

Bayer Leverkusen

In July 2023, Xhaka moved to Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year contract.

Sunderland

In July 2025, Xhaka made a return to the English top flight by signing a three-year contract with Sunderland.

International Career

Xhaka made his senior debut for the Switzerland national team in 2011. record appearance holder for Switzerland.

He has represented Switzerland in multiple major tournaments:

• FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022)

• UEFA European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024)

He has also captained Switzerland in various matches.

At youth level, he was part of Switzerland’s U-17 squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009.

Playing Style & Traits

Granit Xhaka is known for:

• Passing range and vision: He often plays deep, switching play and executing long balls.

• Composure under pressure: He handles transitions, ball retention, and defensive responsibilities.

• Toughness and aggressiveness: He’s unafraid of tackles and physical duels.

• Temperamental side: His career has seen moments where his emotions boiled over, leading to criticism or disciplinary action.

• Leadership: He often wears captain’s armbands at club and national level, conveying on-field authority.

Xhaka’s duality — technical sophistication and emotional intensity — makes him both respected and sometimes polarizing.

Achievements & Honors

Club Honors:

• With Basel: Swiss Super League (2) and Swiss Cup

• With Arsenal: FA Cup (2)

• With Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga & DFB-Pokal (domestic double) in 2023–24 season

International / Youth:

• FIFA U-17 World Cup: 2009 (with Switzerland’s youth team)

Individual Honors:

• Swiss Footballer of the Year (multiple years)

• Bundesliga Team of the Season (2023–24)

• UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2023–24)

Personality & Influence

Xhaka’s reputation off the pitch is intertwined with his background and personal journey:

• He is vocal about his identity and heritage.

• He has experienced criticism, especially in England, for his emotional reactions and rapport with fans, but many admire his resilience and willingness to own mistakes.

• His leadership style is more authoritative and expressive than reticent; he commands, drives, and sometimes confronts.

• His recent move to Sunderland and immediate appointment as captain reflect continued faith in his leadership in different contexts.

Memorable Quotes & Insights

While Granit Xhaka is not especially known as a quotable philosopher, a few remarks reflect his mindset:

“I’m very proud to be here. When I spoke to the Club, I was excited … I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have.”
— Upon signing with Sunderland

More broadly, commentators often note his approach:

• He speaks of responsibility and “leading from the front.”

• He acknowledges that his emotional side sometimes costs him but believes it comes from passion and investment.

Lessons from Granit Xhaka’s Career

1. Embrace your complexity.
   Xhaka’s combination of technical skill, toughness, and emotion shows that players need not fit a narrow mold.

2. Leadership requires exposure.
   He often steps into difficult moments — either by calming teammates or responding fiercely — rather than hiding.

3. Growth is ongoing.
   His redemption arc at Arsenal (after controversial moments) demonstrates that consistency, humility, and performance can rebuild reputation.

4. Transition matters.
   Changing clubs, leagues, or roles doesn’t erase your identity but tests how you adapt your strengths.

5. Serve as example, not just voice.
   His presence in midfield, his work rate, and his commitment set a standard for younger teammates.