Granit Xhaka Biography is one of the most searched football topics among Swiss football fans. Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Sunderland AFC and captains the Switzerland national football team. Renowned for his leadership, passing range, tackling, and powerful long-range shooting, Xhaka is regarded as one of Switzerland’s greatest footballers. He joined Sunderland in 2025 after successful spells with Basel, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Granit Xhaka Biography and Quick Facts
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Granit Xhaka |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Date of Birth | 27 September 1992 |
| Age | 33 Years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Basel, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Current Club | Sunderland AFC |
| National Team | Switzerland |
| Jersey Number | 34 |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Net Worth | Estimated US$30–40 Million |
Granit Xhaka Biography and Early Life
Granit Xhaka was born on 27 September 1992 in Basel, Switzerland. He joined Concordia Basel before moving to the famous FC Basel Academy, where he developed into one of the country’s brightest young talents.
He made his senior debut for FC Basel and helped the club win consecutive Swiss Super League titles. His impressive performances earned him a transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2012, where he later became club captain.
In 2016, Xhaka signed for Arsenal, spending seven successful years in North London before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023. After helping Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title, he joined Sunderland AFC in July 2025 and was immediately appointed club captain.
Club Career
- FC Basel
- Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Arsenal
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Sunderland AFC
Age and Height
Born on 27 September 1992, Granit Xhaka is 33 years old in 2026.
He stands approximately 1.86 metres (6 feet 1 inch) tall. His physical strength, tactical awareness, and leadership make him one of Europe’s most experienced midfielders.
Current Club
Granit Xhaka currently plays for Sunderland AFC in the Premier League. He joined the club in July 2025 after two successful seasons at Bayer Leverkusen and was named Sunderland captain ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
Position
His primary position is:
- Defensive Midfielder
He can also play as:
- Central Midfielder
- Deep-Lying Playmaker
Playing Strengths
- Passing
- Leadership
- Tackling
- Long Shots
- Vision
- Positioning
- Ball Control
- Set Pieces
His ability to control the tempo of matches has made him one of Switzerland’s most influential midfielders.
Stats
Granit Xhaka has enjoyed a distinguished career across Switzerland, Germany, and England.
Career Stats (Approx.)
- Professional Appearances: 700+
- Career Goals: 50+
- Switzerland Appearances: 140+
- International Goals: 15+
Major Honours
- Swiss Super League Champion
- FA Cup Winner
- Bundesliga Champion
- DFB-Pokal Winner
- German Super Cup Winner
His statistics continue to grow as he remains active for both Sunderland and Switzerland.
FIFA Career
Xhaka made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2011 after representing the country at youth level.
He captained Switzerland at several major tournaments and became the nation’s all-time appearance record holder. His international career includes multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships.
International Career
- Switzerland U17
- Switzerland U18
- Switzerland U19
- Switzerland U21
- Switzerland Senior Team
Injury
Throughout his career, Xhaka has maintained an excellent fitness record. Although he has suffered occasional muscle injuries and minor knocks, he has generally avoided long-term absences and has been known for his durability and consistency.
Wife
Granit Xhaka is married to Leonita Lekaj. The couple married in 2017 and have three daughters together. Despite his high-profile football career, Xhaka generally keeps his family life relatively private.
Salary
As one of Sunderland’s highest-profile players, Xhaka earns a significant salary.
His estimated earnings are:
- Weekly Salary: Around £150,000–£180,000
- Annual Salary: Around £8–9 Million
Exact figures may vary depending on bonuses and contractual incentives.
Games
Xhaka has played hundreds of professional matches during his career.
His senior appearances include:
- FC Basel
- Borussia Mönchengladbach
- Arsenal
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Sunderland AFC
- Switzerland National Team
He has competed in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Swiss Super League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and UEFA European Championship.
Nationality
Granit Xhaka is Swiss. He was born in Basel, Switzerland, and has represented the Switzerland national football team throughout his international career.
Jersey Number
Granit Xhaka currently wears:
- No. 34 for Sunderland AFC
He has worn the same iconic number for much of his professional career.
FC 26
In EA SPORTS FC 26, Xhaka is recognised as one of the game’s most reliable defensive midfielders.
Strongest Attributes
- Long Passing
- Vision
- Shot Power
- Tackling
- Composure
- Leadership
- Positioning
- Ball Control
His passing range and tactical intelligence make him highly effective in midfield.
Net Worth
Granit Xhaka’s estimated net worth is between US$30 million and US$40 million.
His primary income sources include:
- Sunderland salary
- Football contracts
- Sponsorship deals
- Brand endorsements
- Performance bonuses
His successful spells at Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, and Sunderland have significantly contributed to his wealth.
Wikipedia
Granit Xhaka has an official Wikipedia page covering his early life, club career, international appearances, honours, career statistics, and personal life.
This biography is written in an original style using reliable football sources and is not copied from Wikipedia.
Final Words
Granit Xhaka Biography highlights the remarkable journey of one of Switzerland’s greatest footballers. From winning league titles with FC Basel to captaining Arsenal, helping Bayer Leverkusen secure their historic Bundesliga title, and leading Sunderland AFC, Xhaka has built an outstanding career through leadership, consistency, and world-class midfield performances.
As captain of the Switzerland national football team and one of the country’s most-capped players, Granit Xhaka continues to be a key figure in international football while adding new chapters to his club career.