When Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, Granit Xhaka dropped to his knees and cried tears of joy. The midfielder had just captained his nation to the last eight for the first time since 1954, overcoming a hostile atmosphere in Vancouver. It was another remarkable chapter in a redemption arc that has seen the 33-year-old go from being booed by his own Arsenal supporters to becoming one of the most influential players in the Premier League and a national hero.
Dark Days at the Emirates
Xhaka's time at Arsenal nearly ended in acrimony. Signed from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016, he often struggled to win over fans who questioned his discipline and consistency. Tensions boiled over in October 2019 when, during a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, he was jeered while being substituted. Xhaka responded by cupping his ears and telling supporters to "f*** off" as he walked off, appearing to rip off his shirt. Then-manager Unai Emery stripped him of the captaincy, and a January exit seemed inevitable.
But the arrival of Mikel Arteta changed everything. The new coach convinced Xhaka to stay, and the Swiss international gradually rebuilt his reputation. He reclaimed the armband and led Arsenal to FA Cup glory in 2020, with former team-mate Theo Walcott later remarking:
"You could always hear him. No matter where you were in the training ground you could hear him speaking to someone."
Leverkusen Triumph and Premier League Return
In 2022, Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen and immediately made an impact. He played a key role as the German club went unbeaten en route to a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. His displays tempted newly promoted Sunderland to bring him back to England, and he repaid that faith emphatically.
Rather than merely helping the Black Cats avoid relegation, Xhaka drove them to a seventh-place finish and a Europa League spot. North East football journalist Ian Murtagh told BBC Radio Newcastle:
"He's the most influential signing in the North East since Kevin Keegan at Newcastle in 1982."That influence saw Chelsea circle in the summer, but Xhaka reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland.
Switzerland's Driving Force at the World Cup
Xhaka's renaissance has been mirrored on the international stage. After a sluggish start with a draw against Qatar, Switzerland grew into the tournament. The penalty shootout win over Colombia was a tense, gritty affair, and Xhaka's leadership was pivotal. Swiss President Guy Parmelin congratulated the team for taking "the first step towards the final", while Swiss media celebrated the nation's best World Cup run in decades.
With 151 caps, Xhaka is the heartbeat of Murat Yakin's side, combining steel and technique. His journey from the Emirates boos to Vancouver tears is a testament to his resilience, and Switzerland now dare to dream of an even deeper run.
Key Takeaways
- Granit Xhaka captained Switzerland to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after a penalty shootout win over Colombia.
- The midfielder has rebuilt his career after being booed by Arsenal fans and stripped of the captaincy in 2019.
- He won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen before returning to the Premier League with Sunderland, leading them to a seventh-place finish.
- Xhaka attracted summer interest from Chelsea but chose to stay at Sunderland, where he is now regarded as one of the club's most influential signings.
- His leadership and experience are key to Switzerland's hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Granit Xhaka
Age: 33
Current Club: Sunderland
Switzerland Caps: 151
World Cup 2026: Quarter-finals (so far)