Granit Xhaka is a talented Swiss footballer known for his strong midfield skills, leadership, and passion for the game. He has played for top clubs in Europe and captains the Swiss national team with dedication and determination.
| Name | Granit Xhaka |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Date of Birth | September 27, 1992 |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Islam |
| Place of Birth | Basel, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Net Worth | $52 million |
Table of Contents
Granit Xhaka Biography
Granit Xhaka, born on September 27, 1992, is a Swiss professional footballer of Albanian heritage. He plays as a midfielder and currently captains Premier League club Sunderland as well as the Switzerland national team. Known for his leadership, strong passing ability, and powerful long-range shots, Xhaka has built a reputation as one of the most reliable midfielders in European football.
He was born in Basel, Switzerland, to Albanian parents from Kosovo and grew up in a humble family that valued hard work and discipline. His journey from a young immigrant boy to a football superstar reflects determination, resilience, and passion for the game.
Granit Educational Background
Xhaka’s education was mainly focused on football development rather than formal academics. He began his football journey at Concordia Basel before moving to the youth academy of FC Basel in 2002. His football education shaped him into a disciplined and technically gifted player, laying the foundation for his successful career.
Granit Career
Granit Xhaka’s career has taken him across Switzerland, Germany, and England, leaving a strong mark wherever he played. He began at FC Basel between 2010 and 2012, where he rose through the youth ranks, made his Champions League debut, and won two Swiss Super League titles. In 2012, he moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach, spending four years there and growing into a natural leader, even captaining the team and guiding them to Champions League football. His next step was Arsenal, where he played from 2016 to 2023 after joining for £30 million. At the London club, he made nearly 300 appearances, lifted two FA Cups and two Community Shields, and also wore the captain’s armband.
In 2023, Xhaka signed with Bayer Leverkusen, where he became a key figure in the team’s history. He helped them win their first-ever Bundesliga title in an unbeaten season while also lifting the DFB-Pokal. His success in Germany was followed by a return to England in 2025, this time with Sunderland, who signed him for £13 million and immediately named him captain to guide them in the Premier League.
On the international stage, Xhaka has been a vital part of the Switzerland national team since his debut in 2011. He holds the national record for appearances with over 137 caps and has proudly represented his country in three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and three UEFA European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024).
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Granit Salary
At Sunderland, Granit Xhaka earns an estimated £120,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid players at the club. His earnings come from his playing contract, bonuses, and endorsements.
Granit Awards
Granit Xhaka has earned several major honors at both club and international levels. His dedication, leadership, and consistency on the pitch have helped him collect the following achievements:
- 2 Swiss Super League titles with FC Basel
- 1 Swiss Cup with FC Basel
- 2 FA Cups with Arsenal
- 2 Community Shields with Arsenal
- 1 Bundesliga title (unbeaten season) with Bayer Leverkusen
- 1 DFB-Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen
- 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup with Switzerland
- Named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season (2014–15).
Granit Religion
Granit Xhaka is a Muslim and practices his faith privately while balancing it with his football career.
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Granit Age
Granit Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992. He is 32 years old as of 2025.
Granit Personal Life
Xhaka is a family-oriented man who values loyalty and discipline. He has spoken often about his roots, his respect for Albanian culture, and his pride in representing Switzerland on the global stage. He is also admired for his resilience, having turned setbacks and criticism into opportunities for growth.
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Granit Wife
In July 2017, Granit Xhaka married Leonita Lekaj, a Kosovan-Albanian woman he met during his time in Germany. Together, they have three daughters, born in 2019, 2021, and 2025.
Granit Siblings
Granit has an older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who also plays professional football for FC Basel and previously represented the Albania national team. The brothers famously faced each other at Euro 2016 when Switzerland played against Albania.
Granit Parents
His parents, who are originally from Besianë, Kosovo, fled political unrest in the late 1980s and settled in Switzerland. They instilled discipline, cultural pride, and resilience in their children, which shaped Granit’s strong character.
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Granit Net Worth
Granit Xhaka’s net worth is estimated at around $52 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from football contracts, bonuses, endorsements, and investments.
Granit Social Media Handles
Granit Xhaka actively shares updates and glimpses into his life on social media:
- Instagram: @granitxhaka.
Granit Career Statistics
Granit Xhaka has built an impressive career across top European clubs and on the international stage with Switzerland. Below is a breakdown of his appearances and goals:
- FC Basel: 61 appearances, 2 goals
- Borussia Mönchengladbach: 139 appearances, 9 goals
- Arsenal: 297 appearances, 23 goals
- Bayer Leverkusen: 99 appearances, 6 goals
- Sunderland: 1 appearance, 0 goals
Career Total: 597 appearances, 40 goals
Switzerland National Team: 137+ appearances, 13 goals.
