10 Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka, 1992-09-27, Midfielder for Switzerland, plays for Bayer Leverkusen. 130 international caps, 14 goals. Part of Switzerland's 2026 World Cup Group B squad.
Biography
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder and Switzerland's captain. Currently plying his trade at Bayer Leverkusen, an industrious midfielder, Granit Xhaka excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Switzerland. Has earned 130 international caps, scoring 14 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Set to compete with Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 12 previous tournament appearances.
Career Timeline
He represented Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018 and 2022, and the UEFA European Championship in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
In 2023, he returned to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, helping the club to their first-ever league title in his debut season.
Xhaka signed for Premier League club Arsenal in 2016 for a fee in the region of £30 million, making nearly 300 appearances over seven years, serving as captain, and winning two FA Cups.
He moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2012, developing a reputation as a technically gifted player and natural leader alongside criticism for his temperament, and acted as club captain from 2015, twice leading the team to UEFA Champions League qualification.
He made his senior debut in 2011 and is currently the nation's record appearance holder, with 144 caps.
Xhaka was part of the Swiss team that won the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.