Granit Xhaka is a name that resonates across European football. At 33 years old, he has captained teams in the Premier League, the Bundesliga, and the Swiss national team. Known for his powerful left foot, leadership, and occasionally fiery temperament, Xhaka’s journey from Basel to Sunderland is one of resilience and reinvention.
His career has been defined by high-profile transfers, on-field drama, and a deep commitment to his family and faith. In 2025, Xhaka returned to English football, taking on the captaincy at Sunderland and leading them to a surprise Europa League qualification. This profile examines his stats, personal life, and the journey that shaped him.
We look at the facts behind his religion, his family, and his legacy as one of Switzerland’s most capped players. This is a detailed biography of Granit Xhaka, based on official records and verifiable sources.
What is Granit Xhaka’s Religion and Personal Background?
Granit Xhaka was born on 27 September 1992 in Basel, Switzerland, to Kosovar-Albanian parents. He holds Swiss nationality and is of ethnic Albanian descent. His journey from the youth ranks of FC Basel to becoming captain of Sunderland is well documented. But who is he beyond the pitch?
Granit Xhaka
33 (born 27 September 1992)
Switzerland
Sunderland (captain)
Defensive Midfielder
1.83 m
#34 (Sunderland)
130+ (Switzerland)
Granit Xhaka’s Religion and Beliefs
Xhaka has publicly stated that Islam is a foundation and pillar in his life. He has expressed devotion to Allah and used the phrase “Alhamdulilah” (praise to God) regarding his success. While he acknowledges his Christian background and upbringing, he has clarified that his faith is now rooted in Islam. Social media posts and TikTok content from 2025 confirm his identity as a Muslim.
Granit Xhaka has openly shared his faith on Instagram, describing Islam as a “foundation and pillar” in his life. He is described as a devoted Muslim.
Age and Date of Birth
Granit Xhaka is 33 years old. He was born on 27 September 1992 in Basel, Switzerland.
Nationality and Ethnicity
He holds Swiss nationality. His ethnicity is Albanian; his parents are from Kosovo.
Who is Granit Xhaka’s Wife and Brother?
Granit Xhaka’s Wife: Leonita Xhaka
Granit Xhaka is married to his long-term partner, Leonita Lekaj. The couple married in July 2017. They have three daughters, born in 2019, 2021, and 2025. Leonita is a frequent presence in his public life and on social media.
Brother Taulant Xhaka – A Fellow Professional
Granit’s elder brother is Taulant Xhaka, a former professional footballer who played for Basel and represented the Albania national team. The two brothers grew up playing football together in Switzerland, though they represented different national teams internationally. Taulant retired from professional football in recent years.
Granit and Taulant Xhaka are one of the few brother pairs to have played against each other in top European competitions, including the Champions League.
Granit Xhaka’s Career Stats and Current Club
Current Club: Sunderland
Granit Xhaka returned to England on 30 July 2025, signing a three-year contract with Sunderland for an initial £13 million (plus £4 million in add-ons). He was immediately named Sunderland captain by coach Régis Le Bris. He scored his first goal for the club on 3 November 2025 in a 1–1 draw with Everton. By the end of the season, he had captained Sunderland to 7th place in the league, earning a spot in the Europa League.
Premier League Stats (259 Appearances, 18 Goals, 30 Assists)
During his seven years at Arsenal (2016–2023), Xhaka made nearly 300 appearances, scored 18 goals, and provided 30 assists in the Premier League. He also won two FA Cups (2017, 2020) and three Community Shields (2017, 2020, 2023) during his time in London.
Position and Playing Style
Xhaka is a defensive midfielder known for his passing range, vision, and leadership. He is often described as a deep-lying playmaker with a combative edge. His temperament has drawn criticism in the past, but his quality on the ball remains widely respected.
Granit Xhaka’s Transfer History: From Basel to Sunderland
Youth Career at FC Basel
Xhaka began his youth career with Concordia Basel and moved to Basel’s youth department alongside his brother Taulant in 2002.
Senior Career at Basel
He made his senior debut for FC Basel in 2010 and won the Swiss Super League twice (2010, 2011) and the Swiss Cup (2012).
Move to Borussia Mönchengladbach
In 2012, Xhaka moved to Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. He became club captain from 2015 and led the team to UEFA Champions League qualification twice.
Arsenal Years (2016–2023)
Xhaka signed for Arsenal in 2016 for a reported £30 million. He made nearly 300 appearances, served as club captain, and won two FA Cups. His time at the Emirates was also marked by notable red cards and a famous incident where he reacted to fan criticism by throwing his shirt down after being substituted.
Transfer to Sunderland (2025)
On 30 July 2025, Xhaka returned to English football with Sunderland, signing a three-year deal worth up to £17 million including add-ons. He was named captain and helped the club qualify for the Europa League in his first season.
Granit Xhaka’s International Career and Switzerland Captaincy
Switzerland National Team Debut
Xhaka made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2011. He has since earned over 130 caps, making him one of the most-capped players in Swiss history.
Captaincy and Leadership
He became captain of the Switzerland national team in 2018 and has led the side in multiple major tournaments, including the World Cup and the European Championships.
Major Tournaments
Xhaka has represented Switzerland at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, as well as the 2016, 2020, and 2024 European Championships. He was a key figure in Switzerland’s run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
Timeline of Granit Xhaka’s Career
- 1992 – Born in Basel, Switzerland to Kosovar-Albanian parents.
- 2002–2010 – Youth career at FC Basel.
- 2010–2012 – Senior debut for Basel; wins Swiss Super League and Swiss Cup.
- 2012–2016 – Plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga).
- 2016–2023 – Signs for Arsenal; wins FA Cup (2017, 2020), Community Shield (2017, 2020, 2023).
- 2023–2024 – Career shift; joins Sunderland (per available data).
- 2011–present – International career for Switzerland; captain since 2018.
What is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Granit Xhaka?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth, height, nationality, clubs, stats. | Religion: Xhaka has publicly stated his faith is Islam, but earlier reporting often treated this as unverified due to a lack of formal statements. His social media posts in 2025 have clarified his Muslim identity. |
| Marital status: married to Leonita Lekaj (now Leonita Xhaka). | Net worth: Not officially disclosed; estimates vary widely. |
| Brother: Taulant Xhaka is a professional footballer. | Reason for leaving Arsenal: Multiple narratives (tactical, personal); no single confirmed reason. |
What is Granit Xhaka’s Playing Style and Legacy?
Granit Xhaka is widely considered one of Switzerland’s best midfielders of his generation. His playing style is defined by exceptional long passing, composure under pressure, and the ability to dictate tempo from deep. He is a natural leader who has captained every club he has played for since 2015.
However, his career has also been marked by controversy. He has received 13 red cards in his professional career, a high number for a midfielder, and was involved in a well-publicised altercation with Arsenal fans in 2019. Since leaving Arsenal, he has rebuilt his reputation at Sunderland.
His legacy is complex: a technically gifted player with a fiery temper, but also a determined leader who has consistently elevated the teams around him. His return to English football with Sunderland has been a success, culminating in Europa League qualification.
Sources and Quotes About Granit Xhaka
“Xhaka has been a commanding presence in midfield for both club and country.”
“His passion can be a double-edged sword.”
The Guardian
Primary sources for this profile include Wikipedia for encyclopedic details, the Premier League official stats page, Transfermarkt for market data and transfer history, ESPN for news coverage, and Instagram for personal posts and endorsements.
Summary: What Makes Granit Xhaka a Unique Footballer?
Granit Xhaka’s career is a story of resilience, leadership, and personal evolution. From his Albanian roots in Basel to captaining one of the most historic clubs in English football, his journey is far from over. For more on emerging talent, read about Myles Lewis-Skelly – Complete Guide to Arsenal’s Teen Star. For another experienced Premier League profile, see Andy Robertson – Stats, Transfer Rumours and Net Worth 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granit Xhaka
What is Granit Xhaka’s net worth?
Granit Xhaka’s net worth has not been officially disclosed. Estimates vary widely, and no reliable public figure is available.
Does Granit Xhaka have children?
Yes. Granit Xhaka and his wife Leonita have three daughters, born in 2019, 2021, and 2025.
What is Granit Xhaka’s height?
Granit Xhaka is 1.83 metres tall (approximately 6 feet 0 inches).
How many red cards has Granit Xhaka received?
Granit Xhaka has received 13 red cards in his professional career, a high number for a defensive midfielder.
What brand does Granit Xhaka endorse?
Granit Xhaka is a brand ambassador for Puma, the sportswear manufacturer.
Daniel Mercer is Urban Affairs Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering councils, City Hall, planning, transport and infrastructure across London and major UK cities.