For years, Swiss football fans have quietly debated a simple question: who truly drives the Swiss national team? While Xherdan Shaqiri has often received the spotlight, Granit Xhaka has been the invisible force holding the system together. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, this is no longer speculation. Xhaka’s performances for Sunderland and Switzerland have made it clear: he may not be the most technically gifted player, but he is arguably the most influential footballer in the world.
Born to Kosovar parents, Granit Xhaka has always possessed a natural sense of responsibility. Even in childhood, he was recognized as a “born leader,” a quality strengthened by challenges and setbacks throughout his career. From his early talent showcased in the Danone Cup finals to winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup and making his debut for FC Basel, everything indicated that Granit was no ordinary player.
Despite facing criticism—sometimes harsh—Xhaka responded with resilience. At Borussia Mönchengladbach, he learned that words mean little unless backed by action. His time at Arsenal was marked by difficulties: suspensions, controversies, and especially the incident with fans in 2019. Yet, a pivotal conversation with manager Mikel Arteta revitalized his career. He worked on himself, adapted, grew, and returned as an undisputed leader.
Today, Granit Xhaka represents more than mere statistics. He embodies standard, rhythm, and structure on the pitch. At Sunderland, a team expected to fight relegation, he orchestrated a transformation described by English media as a “phenomenon.” He sets the tone in training, keeps the squad united, and elevates the team to levels few anticipated. With Switzerland, he acts as the conductor of an orchestra moving to his pulse. When Xhaka is in form, Switzerland is in form.
Even when not in the spotlight, Xhaka creates opportunities for others to shine. This was evident in matches against Kosovo and Sweden, where his influence extended beyond scoring or assists. For some, doubts remained about his role as a team player, especially after controversies during matches against Serbia and the tattoo incident before Euro 2021. However, in recent years, he has matured, becoming a strategic figure without losing his essential aggressiveness.
His relationship with Swiss coach Murat Yakin has stabilized, and his impact within the squad is profound. Xhaka’s words in training often become a motto for the entire team. His influence goes beyond the pitch; he is now more than a leader—he is the “architect of mentality,” the person who raises standards and compels the entire team to rise with him.
In an era when many stars are judged by statistics and social media presence, Xhaka is old-school in spirit yet modern in approach: disciplined, committed, and unstoppable. The question is no longer provocative but valid: is there any footballer in the world today who changes a team more fundamentally than Granit Xhaka? His technique may not be the absolute best, but the influence he exerts—on clubs, the national team, and fellow players—is unparalleled.
The story does not end here. Granit Xhaka is already working on coaching licenses, signaling a future in which he could be as impactful from the bench as he is on the field. As Yakin notes, “He thinks like a coach. That’s how he leads the Swiss national team.” For Albanian football fans, seeing a player of Kosovar descent shaping both club and country so profoundly is a matter of pride and inspiration. Xhaka represents the bridge between generations, cultures, and footballing philosophies—a true symbol of influence and leadership.
Whether Sunderland or Switzerland, Granit Xhaka proves that football greatness is not only measured by goals or assists but by the ability to transform a team, elevate players around him, and instill a winning mentality. He is, in every sense, the heartbeat of the squad—a player whose presence is felt long before the whistle blows and whose impact will echo for years to come.
Conclusion:
Granit Xhaka’s career highlights the essence of leadership in modern football: commitment, resilience, and the power to influence beyond personal accolades. For Albanians, Kosovo-born Granit stands as an emblem of talent, responsibility, and global recognition—a footballer whose influence transcends borders, teams, and statistics.