Brief Introduction of Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer renowned for his commanding presence as a midfielder. He currently plays for Premier League club Sunderland and serves as the captain of the Switzerland national team. Xhaka is celebrated for his technical skills, leadership qualities, and powerful long-range shooting. His career has seen him achieve significant success at every club he has played for, starting with winning two Swiss Super League titles at his boyhood club, FC Basel. He later became a key figure and captain for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga before a high-profile move to Arsenal in the Premier League, where he won the FA Cup twice. In 2023, he joined Bayer Leverkusen and was instrumental in leading the team to their first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal trophy in an invincible season. Internationally, he was part of the Swiss team that won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup and is his nation’s most-capped player.
Granit Xhaka Overview
| Full Name | Granit Xhaka |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1992 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Basel, Switzerland |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Leonita Lekaj |
| Family | Parents – Ragip and Elmaze Xhaka; Brother – Taulant Xhaka; Daughters – Ayana, Laneya, Neyana |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated between €15 million and €17 million |
Early Life and Education of Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992, in Basel, Switzerland, to a Kosovo Albanian family. His parents, Ragip and Elmaze Xhaka, moved to Switzerland from Besianë, Kosovo, in 1990. The family’s history is marked by resilience; his father was a political prisoner in the former Yugoslavia for three and a half years for participating in student demonstrations against the government. This background instilled a strong sense of identity and determination in Granit from a young age. He and his older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer, began their football journey together. They started at the youth club Concordia Basel in 2000 before both moving to the esteemed academy of FC Basel in 2002. Xhaka’s talent was evident early on, and he progressed steadily through the youth ranks of one of Switzerland’s biggest clubs, laying the foundation for his professional career.
Granit Xhaka’s Career
Granit Xhaka’s professional career is a testament to his growth as a technically gifted and natural leader on the football pitch. His journey has taken him through some of Europe’s top leagues, leaving a significant impact at each club.
FC Basel (2010–2012)
Xhaka began his professional career at his hometown club, FC Basel, after rising through their youth system. He made his first-team debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a key player. During his time with the club, he won the Swiss Super League twice and the Swiss Cup, showcasing his potential as a dynamic midfielder.
Borussia Mönchengladbach (2012–2016)
In 2012, Xhaka moved to the German Bundesliga, signing with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Under coach Lucien Favre, he developed into a formidable midfielder, known for his passing range and aggressive style of play. His leadership qualities were recognized early, and he was appointed club captain at just 22 years old. He twice led the team to qualification for the UEFA Champions League and was named in the Bundesliga’s team of the season for the 2014-15 campaign.
Arsenal (2016–2023)
Xhaka made a high-profile transfer to the Premier League in 2016, joining Arsenal for a fee of around £30 million. His seven-year spell in North London was a mix of highs and lows. He was a central figure in the team’s midfield, making nearly 300 appearances. With Arsenal, he won two FA Cups and two FA Community Shields. Despite a period where he had a contentious relationship with the fans and was stripped of the captaincy, he managed to redeem himself and became a fan-favorite under manager Mikel Arteta, playing a crucial role in the team’s resurgence.
Bayer Leverkusen (2023–2025)
In July 2023, Xhaka returned to the Bundesliga, signing for Bayer Leverkusen. His impact was immediate and transformative. He became the “beating heart” and “midfield general” of Xabi Alonso’s team. In his debut season, he was instrumental in leading Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title, achieving this feat without a single defeat. He also scored the winning goal in the DFB-Pokal final to secure a historic domestic double for the club. His performances cemented his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.
Sunderland (2025–Present)
In a surprising move in July 2025, Xhaka returned to the Premier League, signing for Sunderland. The experienced midfielder joined the club for a reported fee of €20 million on a contract lasting until June 2027.
International Career
Xhaka has had a distinguished international career with Switzerland. He was a key part of the Swiss U-17 team that won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He made his senior debut in 2011 and has since become the nation’s all-time record appearance holder. He has represented Switzerland at multiple FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and UEFA European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024), often serving as the team’s captain.
Granit Xhaka Personal Life & Family
Granit Xhaka is a family-oriented man, and his personal life is characterized by a strong bond with his loved ones. He is married to Leonita Lekaj, whom he met in 2015 while he was playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. The couple, who share a Kosovo-Albanian heritage, got married in July 2017. They have three daughters together: Ayana, born in 2019, Laneya, born in 2021, and Neyana, born in 2025. Leonita is often seen supporting him at his matches. Xhaka’s family background is a significant part of his identity. His parents, Ragip and Elmaze, emigrated from Kosovo to Switzerland in 1990. His father’s experience as a political prisoner in the former Yugoslavia has profoundly influenced Granit’s resilient and determined character. He shares a close relationship with his older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer for FC Basel and has represented the Albanian national team. The brothers famously played against each other during the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament. Off the pitch, Xhaka is known to be a calm and composed individual who values his privacy and enjoys spending quality time with his family. He is multilingual, speaking German, English, and Albanian.
Awards and Achievements of Granit Xhaka
- FIFA U-17 World Cup: 2009
- Swiss Super League: 2010–11, 2011–12
- Swiss Cup: 2011–12
- FA Cup: 2016–17, 2019–20
- FA Community Shield: 2017, 2020
- Bundesliga: 2023–24
- DFB-Pokal: 2023–24
- Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2014–15
- Swiss Footballer of the Year: 2017
Granit Xhaka Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Granit Xhaka’s net worth is estimated to be between €15 million and €17 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career in top-tier European football leagues. His primary sources of income include his club contracts, performance-based bonuses, and various endorsements. At Bayer Leverkusen, his annual salary was reported to be around €4.15 million. Upon his transfer to Sunderland, he is reportedly earning £100,000 a week. Xhaka also has endorsement deals with major brands such as Puma and Under Armour. In addition to his football earnings, he has made savvy investments, including his own lifestyle brand, Grajo, and holds real estate across Europe.
Legacy and Influence
Granit Xhaka’s legacy is that of a resilient and commanding midfielder who has consistently performed at the highest levels of European football. His career is a story of perseverance, overcoming challenges both on and off the pitch to become a respected leader. At Arsenal, despite a turbulent relationship with the fans at times, he ultimately won them over with his commitment and crucial role in the team’s revival under Mikel Arteta. His time at Bayer Leverkusen will be remembered for his instrumental role in guiding the club to a historic unbeaten season, securing their first-ever Bundesliga title and a DFB-Pokal trophy. This achievement has elevated his status to that of a world-class midfielder. For the Swiss national team, he is a true icon, holding the record for the most appearances and captaining the side through multiple major tournaments. His leadership, technical ability, and fighting spirit have made him an influential figure and a role model for aspiring footballers. His journey, rooted in his family’s story of resilience, serves as an inspiration.
Interesting Facts about Granit Xhaka
- His father, Ragip, was a political prisoner for three and a half years in the former Yugoslavia for participating in student demonstrations.
- He was part of the Switzerland U-17 team that won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- He played against his older brother, Taulant Xhaka, at UEFA Euro 2016, with Granit representing Switzerland and Taulant representing Albania.
- He has the number 34 tattooed on his back, which was his first professional number at FC Basel. He often took the number 34 bus to training as a young player.
- He was nicknamed “Young Einstein” by teammates due to his intellect and love of science. Former Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld once dubbed him the “young Schweinsteiger.”
- He shares a hometown, Basel, with tennis legend Roger Federer.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Granit Xhaka’s passionate and aggressive playing style has sometimes led to disciplinary issues and controversy. At Arsenal, he had a publicly strained relationship with the club’s supporters, which culminated in an incident in October 2019 during a match against Crystal Palace. When being substituted, he reacted angrily to jeers from the crowd, leading to him being stripped of the team captaincy. He has also been criticized for his on-field discipline, having received several red cards during his career for ill-timed tackles and aggressive behavior. Another notable controversy occurred during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in a match against Serbia. After scoring a goal, Xhaka, along with teammate Xherdan Shaqiri, made an eagle gesture with his hands, which is a symbol of Albanian nationalism. Given the political history between Serbia and Kosovo, this gesture was seen as provocative and resulted in a fine from FIFA for unsporting behavior.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@granitxhaka) – Xhaka has a significant following on Instagram, where he shares updates about his career and personal life.
Final Words about Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka’s career is a compelling narrative of talent, leadership, and unwavering resilience. From his early successes at FC Basel to becoming a pivotal figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic invincible season, he has consistently demonstrated his quality as a top-tier midfielder. His journey has been marked by both significant triumphs and challenging periods, yet he has always emerged as a stronger and more determined player. As the captain of the Swiss national team and its most-capped player, his influence extends far beyond club football. Now embarking on a new chapter in the Premier League with Sunderland, Xhaka continues to bring his wealth of experience, leadership, and technical prowess to the pitch. His legacy as a tenacious and influential midfielder, whose career has been defined by both his on-field achievements and his strong character, is firmly cemented in the world of football.
