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Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder and has captained the Switzerland national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder and has captained the Switzerland national team. Born in Basel on 27 September 1992 to a family of Kosovar Albanian background, he began his senior career at FC Basel and later played for Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen. Current sources list him as a Sunderland player.

Early life and youth career

Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland, in 1992 and began playing football in the Basel area. Sources describe him as coming from a Kosovar Albanian family background.

Club career

He made his senior breakthrough at FC Basel and later moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen. Current sources also list Sunderland as his club, indicating a later move or updated registration.

International career

Xhaka has represented Switzerland since 2011 and has been a long-time figure in the national team setup. He has also captained the team.

Playing style and recognition

He is primarily used as a defensive or central midfielder and is known for leadership responsibilities and a left foot. Club and league sources list him as one of the prominent midfielders of his generation.

Key facts

  • Xhaka was born in Basel on 27 September 1992.
  • He is a Swiss international and has served as captain of the Switzerland national team.
  • He began his professional career with FC Basel.
  • He later played for Borussia Mönchengladbach and Arsenal before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
  • Current sources list him as a Sunderland player.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Granit Xhaka?
Granit Xhaka is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder and has captained Switzerland.
When was Granit Xhaka born?
He was born on 27 September 1992 in Basel, Switzerland.
Which clubs has Granit Xhaka played for?
Sources list FC Basel, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, and Sunderland.
What position does Granit Xhaka play?
He is primarily a defensive midfielder, and some sources list him more broadly as a midfielder.
What is Granit Xhaka’s national team?
He represents Switzerland at international level.
What is Granit Xhaka’s family background?
Sources describe him as coming from a Kosovar Albanian family.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granit_Xhaka
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, position, and broad career outline.
  2. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/84450/granit-xhaka/overview
    Supports: Nationality, date of birth, position, appearances, goals, and assists.
  3. Arsenal FC — https://www.arsenal.com/historic/players/granit-xhaka
    Supports: Born in Basel, previous clubs, debut, first goal, trophies, and Switzerland national team.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/granit-xhaka/profil/spieler/111455
    Supports: Birthplace, height, position, preferred foot, current club, and contract details.
  5. A Love Supreme — https://www.a-love-supreme.com/post/granit-xhaka-who-are-you
    Supports: Recent Sunderland connection and career summary.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/149981/granit-xhaka
    Supports: Sunderland listing, position, nationality, date of birth.