Overview
Granit Xhaka captains Switzerland and was the outstanding midfielder in Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, named the league's player of the season. He spent seven often turbulent seasons at Arsenal, where he was stripped of the captaincy in 2019 and rehabilitated under Mikel Arteta.
Born in Basel to Kosovo Albanian parents, he is Switzerland's second most-capped player. His brother Taulant played for Albania; they were the first brothers to face each other at a European Championship.
Clubs
International record: 139 caps and 14 goals for Switzerland.
Basel2010–2012
Borussia Mönchengladbach2012–2016
Arsenal2016–2023
Bayer Leverkusen2023–2025
Sunderland2025–
Honours
Major team and individual honours.
Bundesliga 2023–24
DFB-Pokal 2023–24
Swiss Super League ×2
Bundesliga Player of the Season 2023–24
World Cup Appearances
Granit Xhaka appeared at four FIFA World Cups.
2014201820222026
The 2026 tournament, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, was won by Spain. See the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.
Other Switzerland Internationals
Other players profiled for this national team.