Player profile
Granit Xhaka
Midfielder · Sunderland
Granit Xhaka captained Switzerland to the 2026 World Cup as their most-capped player ever, leading his country into a fourth World Cup of his career while settling into a new role as Sunderland captain back in the Premier League.
Career
Xhaka moved from Bayer Leverkusen to newly promoted Sunderland in July 2025, signing a three-year deal on Wearside and being named club captain by coach Regis Le Bris almost immediately.
Internationally he became Switzerland's captain and their all-time most-capped player, guiding the national team through 2026 World Cup qualifying as Group B winners.
How they play
A deep-lying midfield organiser known for his passing range, positional discipline and leadership, Xhaka dictates tempo from in front of the back line rather than relying on pace or dribbling.
Where they are now
He led Switzerland out at the 2026 World Cup as captain, earning his 143rd cap in the qualifying campaign that sealed their place in North America.
At club level he is now the on-field leader of a Sunderland side adjusting to life back in the Premier League after promotion.
Bio
Club career
- Sunderland A.F.C.2025
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen2023–2025
- Arsenal F.C.2016–2023
- Borussia Mönchengladbach2012–2016
- FC Basel2010–2012
International career
- Switzerland men's national football teamSince 2011Current
Youth caps: U21 (2010–2011) · U19 (2010–2011) · U18 (2009–2010) · U17 (2008–2009)
Honours
No honours on record yet.
Defining moments
Leads Switzerland to World Cup qualification as captain2025
Xhaka captained Switzerland through their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, wearing the armband as the team won Group B and secured his fourth World Cup appearance.
Latest season stats (ESPN)
In our archive
We haven’t archived a match featuring this player yet — appearances appear here the moment we cover one.
Sources
- ESPN athlete profileJul 18, 2026
- WikidataJul 18, 2026
- Player photo — @cfcunofficial (Chelsea Debs) London from London, UKCC BY-SA 2.0
Read for this profile
- Sunderland AFC — Xhaka leads Switzerland to 2026 World Cup qualificationAugust 3, 2026
- The Daily Star — Veteran midfielder Xhaka to lead Switzerland at World CupAugust 3, 2026
Profile written / last reviewed August 3, 2026.
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War of Soccer is not affiliated with FIFA, Sunderland, any federation or Granit Xhaka. This page compiles publicly available data (ESPN, Wikidata) descriptively, for identification and commentary only — not an endorsement by or of the player.