{"id":245555,"first_name":"Granit","last_name":"Xhaka","short_name":"G. Xhaka","common_name":"Granit Xhaka","place_of_birth":"Basel","gender":"male","height":185,"weight":82,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T10:11:44.471Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-22T17:04:58.039Z","locale":"en","age":32,"stb_id":"granit-xhaka","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Granit Xhaka","top_position":null,"introduction":"Granit Xhaka is a prominent Swiss professional footballer, known for his role as a midfielder. He currently plays for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and serves as the captain of the Swiss national team. His career is marked by significant achievements, including winning multiple team titles and earning personal accolades in top European leagues.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nGranit Xhaka was born on 27 September 1992 in Basel, Switzerland, to an ethnic Albanian family from Besianë. His family moved from Kosovo to Switzerland in 1990, a move that significantly shaped his childhood. Growing up in Basel, Xhaka developed a deep interest in football, a passion supported by his family. The environment in Basel provided a nurturing ground for his burgeoning talent, which was honed in the vibrant local football culture.\n\n## Youth Career\nXhaka's football journey began at Concordia Basel before he, along with his brother Taulant, advanced to the youth ranks of FC Basel in 2002. His development was rapid, and he was part of the U-15 team that set a record by winning all their matches in the 2006–07 season, highlighting his potential at a young age. Progressing through the youth setup, Xhaka achieved remarkable successes, including leading the U-16 team to a championship win in 2007–08 and contributing to the U-21 team’s success in 2008–09. His youth career was marked by being consistently moved up to more challenging levels, underscoring his talent and readiness for professional football.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### FC Basel\nXhaka started his senior club career with FC Basel's first team in the 2010–11 season. He made an immediate impact, notably scoring on his European debut in a Champions League match against Debrecen. That season, he played 20 league matches, contributing to Basel’s league triumph. The following season, he was integral to Basel's league and cup double, having played 67 competitive matches in total for the club by the time he departed.\n\n### Borussia Mönchengladbach\nIn 2012, Xhaka transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach. His tenure at the Bundesliga club saw him grow into a pivotal player, becoming team captain and earning a reputation as a leader. His significant moments included leading the team to Champions League qualifications and scoring important goals, although his tenure was marred by disciplinary issues, including notable red card incidents.\n\n### Arsenal\nXhaka moved to Arsenal in 2016, where he showcased his fierce competitiveness and skill. His debut season included a memorable 25-yard goal against Hull City and helping Arsenal secure an FA Cup victory. Though his time at Arsenal involved some controversies, including being stripped of the captaincy, Xhaka found resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta, playing a key role in another FA Cup victory.\n\n### Bayer Leverkusen\nXhaka returned to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, continuing to impress by helping the team win its first league title and achieving a domestic double in his debut season.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nXhaka was part of the Swiss U-17 team that won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, a significant achievement in his early international career.\n\n### Senior National Team\nXhaka made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2011 and quickly became an influential player, participating in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and UEFA European Championships in 2016, 2020, and 2024. He is the record appearance holder for the Swiss national team, highlighting his vital presence and leadership on the international stage.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nXhaka is known for his role as a central midfielder, displaying a blend of technical skills and leadership qualities. He is celebrated for his long-range passing ability, tactical acumen, and resilience on the pitch. Despite occasional disciplinary issues, his physical attributes and strategic understanding make him a formidable presence in midfield, with a knack for scoring stunning long-distance goals.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAs of 18 November 2024, Xhaka has played over 135 matches for the Swiss national team, scoring significant goals and regularly participating in major international tournaments. He has amassed a substantial number of club appearances across several top leagues, achieving numerous goals and critical assists.\n\n## Records\nXhaka holds the Swiss national team record for most appearances, surpassing 118 caps, a testament to his sustained performance and impact on the national side. Additionally, he has achieved personal accolades like Swiss Footballer of the Year and multiple team honors with clubs throughout his career.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Swiss Super League: 2010–11, 2011–12\n- FA Cup with Arsenal: 2016–17, 2019–20\n- Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen: 2023–24\n- DFB-Pokal: 2024\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Swiss Footballer of the Year: 2017, 2022, 2023\n- Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2023–24\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nXhaka received the Swiss Youth Footballer of the Year award in 2012, showcasing his early promise. His leadership and contributions have been recognized in various league Team of the Seasons, solidifying his standing as one of Europe’s notable midfielders.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nXhaka's career impact is characterized by his integral role in both club and international success. His leadership qualities were vital in achieving significant club milestones and his consistent performances for Switzerland have made him a central figure in Swiss football history.\n\n## Off the Field\nXhaka is involved in various commercial activities, leveraging his football fame. His public image, shaped by both his football prowess and leadership characteristics, contributes to his respected status off the pitch as well.\n\n## Personal Life\nFamily is a cornerstone of Xhaka’s life. He married Leonita Lekaj in 2017 and they have two daughters, highlighting his close-knit familial ties. His brother Taulant is also a professional footballer, emphasizing a family deeply embedded in the football world. Xhaka is a practicing Muslim, which plays a significant role in his personal and professional life.","stb_internal_id":"019300f5-6bad-7f70-ab9e-1cbbc8ff67f3","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"defensive-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"introduction_html":"

Granit Xhaka is a prominent Swiss professional footballer, known for his role as a midfielder. He currently plays for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen and serves as the captain of the Swiss national team. His career is marked by significant achievements, including winning multiple team titles and earning personal accolades in top European leagues.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Granit Xhaka was born on 27 September 1992 in Basel, Switzerland, to an ethnic Albanian family from Besianë. His family moved from Kosovo to Switzerland in 1990, a move that significantly shaped his childhood. Growing up in Basel, Xhaka developed a deep interest in football, a passion supported by his family. The environment in Basel provided a nurturing ground for his burgeoning talent, which was honed in the vibrant local football culture.

Youth Career

Xhaka's football journey began at Concordia Basel before he, along with his brother Taulant, advanced to the youth ranks of FC Basel in 2002. His development was rapid, and he was part of the U-15 team that set a record by winning all their matches in the 2006–07 season, highlighting his potential at a young age. Progressing through the youth setup, Xhaka achieved remarkable successes, including leading the U-16 team to a championship win in 2007–08 and contributing to the U-21 team’s success in 2008–09. His youth career was marked by being consistently moved up to more challenging levels, underscoring his talent and readiness for professional football.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

FC Basel

Xhaka started his senior club career with FC Basel's first team in the 2010–11 season. He made an immediate impact, notably scoring on his European debut in a Champions League match against Debrecen. That season, he played 20 league matches, contributing to Basel’s league triumph. The following season, he was integral to Basel's league and cup double, having played 67 competitive matches in total for the club by the time he departed.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

In 2012, Xhaka transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach. His tenure at the Bundesliga club saw him grow into a pivotal player, becoming team captain and earning a reputation as a leader. His significant moments included leading the team to Champions League qualifications and scoring important goals, although his tenure was marred by disciplinary issues, including notable red card incidents.

Arsenal

Xhaka moved to Arsenal in 2016, where he showcased his fierce competitiveness and skill. His debut season included a memorable 25-yard goal against Hull City and helping Arsenal secure an FA Cup victory. Though his time at Arsenal involved some controversies, including being stripped of the captaincy, Xhaka found resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta, playing a key role in another FA Cup victory.

Bayer Leverkusen

Xhaka returned to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, continuing to impress by helping the team win its first league title and achieving a domestic double in his debut season.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Xhaka was part of the Swiss U-17 team that won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, a significant achievement in his early international career.

Senior National Team

Xhaka made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2011 and quickly became an influential player, participating in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and UEFA European Championships in 2016, 2020, and 2024. He is the record appearance holder for the Swiss national team, highlighting his vital presence and leadership on the international stage.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Xhaka is known for his role as a central midfielder, displaying a blend of technical skills and leadership qualities. He is celebrated for his long-range passing ability, tactical acumen, and resilience on the pitch. Despite occasional disciplinary issues, his physical attributes and strategic understanding make him a formidable presence in midfield, with a knack for scoring stunning long-distance goals.

Performance Statistics

As of 18 November 2024, Xhaka has played over 135 matches for the Swiss national team, scoring significant goals and regularly participating in major international tournaments. He has amassed a substantial number of club appearances across several top leagues, achieving numerous goals and critical assists.

Records

Xhaka holds the Swiss national team record for most appearances, surpassing 118 caps, a testament to his sustained performance and impact on the national side. Additionally, he has achieved personal accolades like Swiss Footballer of the Year and multiple team honors with clubs throughout his career.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Swiss Super League: 2010–11, 2011–12
FA Cup with Arsenal: 2016–17, 2019–20
Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen: 2023–24
DFB-Pokal: 2024

Individual Achievements

Swiss Footballer of the Year: 2017, 2022, 2023
Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2023–24

Awards and Recognition

Xhaka received the Swiss Youth Footballer of the Year award in 2012, showcasing his early promise. His leadership and contributions have been recognized in various league Team of the Seasons, solidifying his standing as one of Europe’s notable midfielders.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Xhaka's career impact is characterized by his integral role in both club and international success. His leadership qualities were vital in achieving significant club milestones and his consistent performances for Switzerland have made him a central figure in Swiss football history.

Off the Field

Xhaka is involved in various commercial activities, leveraging his football fame. His public image, shaped by both his football prowess and leadership characteristics, contributes to his respected status off the pitch as well.

Personal Life

Family is a cornerstone of Xhaka’s life. He married Leonita Lekaj in 2017 and they have two daughters, highlighting his close-knit familial ties. His brother Taulant is also a professional footballer, emphasizing a family deeply embedded in the football world. Xhaka is a practicing Muslim, which plays a significant role in his personal and professional life.

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Granit Xhaka: Profile