Swiss football player Granit Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992, and now plays midfield for Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen. In addition, he leads the Swiss national team as captain.
Xhaka was born into a Podujevo-based ethnic Albanian family in Basel, Switzerland. In 1990, his family relocated to Basel.
He currently plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Xhaka is wed to Leonita Lekaj. Ayana is the couple’s daughter. He frequently posts fashionable ensembles on social media because he is a fashion enthusiast.
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Granit Xhaka Early Life
Granit Xhaka began playing football at an early age, and the local team FC Basel quickly noticed him.
Xhaka began playing youth football with Concordia Basel before joining the FC Basel youth team. He advanced through the Basel youth teams, taking home multiple titles in the Swiss championship.
During the 2006–07 season, his U–15 squad set a record in Swiss competitive football with an amazing goal differential of 104:13. Xhaka relocated to Borussia Mönchengladbach of the Bundesliga in 2012. There, he gained recognition as a naturally gifted leader and technically proficient player.
He guided the group to two UEFA Champions League qualifications while serving as the club captain in 2015.
Granit Xhaka has shown tenacity and resolve throughout his career, even though his football prowess and leadership on the pitch are his main claims to fame. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come from being a young player. FC Basel scouted him to represent Switzerland in international competitions.
It’s debatable if he specifically acts as a motivator, but his dedication and perseverance can undoubtedly encourage others to work toward their objectives.
Granit Xhaka Parents
Granit Xhaka’s parents are very supportive of him.
Ragip and Elmaze Xhaka are the parents of Granit Xhaka. Ragip, his father, has a fantastic narrative to tell about how he was beaten and imprisoned in the former Yugoslavia for advocating Kosovan independence.
He was imprisoned for three and a half years as a political prisoner after taking part in protests against the communist central government in Belgrade while he was a 22-year-old university student. Xhaka Sr. fought for the Kosovarian people’s right to exist and be heard, upholding fundamental democratic rights.
I’m sorry for the oversight. Elmaze Xhaka is the mother of Granit Xhaka. She has been a pillar of support in his life and has influenced his career path as a professional football player significantly. Granit’s football career has been influenced by his family’s tenacity and dedication to justice, which is an inspirational sight.
Is Granit Xhaka Married?
Granit Xhaka is married to Lekaj.
Born in Albania, Lekaj grew up in Kosovo until her family relocated to Germany. Since 2015, when the midfield player was playing for Borussia Monchengladbach, the couple has been together. Two years later, they tied the knot and are now parents to two kids. Laneya was born in 2021, while Ayana was born in 2019.
Leonita’s Instagram account is private. The Swiss player revealed on social media that his family had received death threats from supporters online after Xhaka’s notorious altercation with Arsenal supporters in 2019, during which he cursed at the supporters when he was replaced.
Xhaka disclosed that in the past few years, he has learned to keep his personal and professional lives apart. “The most important [thing] I learned these last three years was you have to split your profession and family,” he stated to the Daily Mail.
Granit Xhaka Club Career
Granit Xhaka currently plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Xhaka started his professional career with FC Basel, where he twice won the Swiss Super League. In 2012, he relocated to Borussia Mönchengladbach. He made a name for himself there as a naturally skilled athlete with leadership skills.
He even captained the squad while he was captain, helping them qualify for the UEFA Champions League. For an estimated £30 million, Xhaka joined Premier League team Arsenal in 2016.
With the Gunners, he shared two FA Cup victories and had a brief stint as captain. In 2023, Xhaka rejoined Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He assisted the team in winning their first-ever league championship in his inaugural season.
Granit Xhaka International Career
Granit Xhaka has been successful at the international level.
The Swiss professional football player Granit Xhaka has had a remarkable career on the international scene. He competed for Switzerland in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which they won in 2009. With 130 caps since making his senior debut in 2011, Xhaka now holds the record for most appearances for Switzerland.
In addition to the UEFA European Championship in 2016, 2020, and 2024, he played for Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Granit Xhaka’s global career is certainly something to aspire to.
His perseverance, devotion, and steady performances for the Swiss national team are evidence of his hard work and dedication. He has the record for most appearances made by Switzerland, which has greatly aided their performance in important competitions.
Granit Xhaka Playing Style
Granit Xhaka is a versatile player.
Granit Xhaka, a Swiss midfielder who recently joined Bayer Leverkusen from Arsenal, is an important member of the Gunners’ midfield due to his unique style of play. A standard box-to-box midfielder is Xhaka.
He contributes both offensively and defensively and covers a lot of ground. He can have an impact on several areas of the pitch thanks to his work rate and endurance. Xhaka gives his all on the field. He has excellent timing while making tackles, and his aggressive style may frighten opponents.
But occasionally, this drive to win the ball results in early reservations. Xhaka is calm on the ball and was dubbed “Little Einstein” in the past because of his love of science. His passing accuracy is remarkable, and he keeps his team moving forward.
Over time, Xhaka’s style of play has changed. He proved adaptable in his job, adjusting well to numerous tactical configurations under different managers. Xhaka, who is 31 years old, is still quite good.
He made 25 line-breaking passes in a recent EURO 2024 encounter against Italy, more than twice as many as any other player. Bayer Leverkusen obtains a seasoned midfielder who adds quality and experience to their side, but Arsenal supporters will miss his impact.
Granit Xhaka Transfer
Granit Xhaka transferred to Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 23/24 season.
The Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka has a turbulent transfer past. With an option for a further year, Xhaka’s contract with Arsenal was extended by one year, guaranteeing his presence at the team through at least 2024.
Xhaka’s value to the team was affirmed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, despite interest from Serie A outfit Roma. Xhaka completed a £21.4 million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen after spending seven seasons with Arsenal. He made 297 appearances, scored 23 goals, and won two FA Cups when he was in North London.
Xhaka and Arsenal were on the verge of finalizing a new contract earlier. Roma made proposals, but the Serie A team never paid the club’s worth. Xhaka’s path demonstrates his influence on the field and his devotion to the teams he has been a part of.
Memorable moments in his Career
In September 2016, Xhaka scored his first goal for Arsenal against Hull City in the Premier League. It was a long-distance blow that displayed his strong left foot. For Xhaka, being named captain of Arsenal in 2019 was a noteworthy achievement.
He guided the group through difficult moments and exhibited fortitude in the face of opposition. The 100th cap for Switzerland for Xhaka was a noteworthy accomplishment. His accomplishment of this milestone is a testament to his hard work and devotion to his nation.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of his first season (2023–2024) was winning the Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen. It was a triumphant comeback for German football.
Granit Xhaka Net Worth
The professional football player from Switzerland, Granit Xhaka, is worth a whopping $17 million. His income is derived from sponsorships, his professional football player wage, and other sources.
Granit Xhaka is the captain of the Swiss national team and a midfield player for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. He has sponsorship agreements in place with Under Armour and Puma.
He has sponsorship agreements in place with Under Armour and Puma. For club and international games, he wears Puma cleats, while for professional contests, he wears Under Armour footwear.
