Granit Xhaka: Career, Religion, Languages, and His Arsenal Exit

Few footballers have sparked as much debate as Granit Xhaka. Whether he’s driving forward from midfield or clashing with fans, the Swiss captain has a way of making headlines. This article looks at the man behind the reputation — his background, his faith, his languages, and why his Arsenal exit still divides opinion.

Nationality: Switzerland ·
Age: 33 (born 27 September 1992) ·
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) ·
Club: Sunderland ·
Position: Defensive midfielder ·
Preferred foot: Left

Eight facts, one pattern: Granit Xhaka’s career is built on consistent midfield presence across top leagues.

The stats below confirm the baseline profile for any discussion of his career.

The implication: Xhaka’s physical and positional profile is stable across his career, a constant in the flux of team changes.

Is Granit Xhaka Albanian?

What is Granit Xhaka’s nationality?

Granit Xhaka holds Swiss nationality and represents Switzerland at the international level. He was born in Basel to Albanian parents from Kosovo, making his heritage Albanian while his citizenship is Swiss (Wikipedia).

How old is Granit Xhaka?

He was born on 27 September 1992, making him 33 years old as of 2025 (Soccerway).

How tall is Granit Xhaka?

Xhaka stands 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) tall (Wikipedia).

What is Granit Xhaka’s ethnicity?

His ethnicity is Albanian. His parents emigrated from Kosovo, and he has spoken about the influence of Albanian culture on his upbringing (Wikipedia Español).

Bottom line: Xhaka is Swiss by nationality and Albanian by ethnicity. For fans curious about identity, the answer is clear: he carries both.

What is the religion of Granit Xhaka?

Granit Xhaka is Muslim. His faith is rooted in his Albanian heritage, and he has occasionally referenced his religious background in interviews (Wikipedia).

Bottom line: Xhaka’s Muslim faith is part of his Albanian identity. For many fans, it adds depth to his personal story.

How many languages does Xhaka speak?

Granit Xhaka speaks Albanian, German, French, and English. He frequently switches between languages in interviews, a skill honed growing up in multilingual Switzerland (Wikipedia).

Bottom line: Four languages make Xhaka one of the most linguistically versatile players in the Premier League. For Swiss fans, it’s a point of pride.

Why did Granit Xhaka leave Arsenal?

Why did Arsenal get rid of Xhaka?

Xhaka left Arsenal in 2023 after a series of disagreements with fans and management. The turning point was a 2019 incident where he reacted angrily to being substituted against Crystal Palace, throwing his shirt and swearing at supporters (Wikipedia). He later apologised, saying “I reacted in a way that I am not proud of” (YouTube interview). He joined Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Sunderland in 2025.

Do Arsenal fans like Granit Xhaka?

Arsenal fan opinion is deeply divided. Some appreciate his loyalty and consistency, while others criticise his temperament and disciplinary record. The 2019 outburst damaged his relationship with supporters, but many recognised his contributions during the 2022-23 title push (Wikipedia).

How good is Granit Xhaka?

Statistically, Xhaka is a solid defensive midfielder. Over 225 Premier League appearances he scored 17 goals and provided 23 assists (kicker). He won two FA Cups with Arsenal and captained Switzerland to the European Championship quarter-finals in 2021 (BBC Sport).

Bottom line: Xhaka’s Arsenal exit was messy, but his quality on the pitch remains undeniable. For fans evaluating his legacy, the stats show a player who delivered under pressure.

Do Arsenal fans like Granit Xhaka?

How rich is Granit Xhaka?

Xhaka’s net worth is estimated at approximately £25 million, according to media reports. His transfer from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen was reportedly worth around €15 million, and his wages at Sunderland are undisclosed but likely substantial for a Premier League captain (Transfermarkt).

Bottom line: Xhaka’s financial status reflects a top-tier career. For fans wondering about his wealth, the numbers confirm he’s comfortably set.

For Arsenal fans, the choice is clear: either embrace Xhaka’s passion and contribution, or remain frustrated by his volatility. For Sunderland supporters, the hope is that his leadership drives the club forward. Xhaka’s career arc reveals a player who has consistently sought redemption through performance.