Granit Xhaka
A fiery and technically brilliant midfielder whose leadership transformed him from a controversial figure into a revered club captain.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Swiss footballer·Birthday: September 27·Millennials
Biography
Granit Xhaka's football career is a story of redemption and iron will. Born in Basel to Albanian parents, his talent was evident early, and his move to the German club Borussia Mönchengladbach announced a player of fierce competitiveness and pinpoint passing range. His 2016 transfer to Arsenal was met with high expectations, but his journey in North London was turbulent; moments of brilliance were punctuated by disciplinary issues and a very public falling-out with the fans. What followed, however, defined his legacy. Instead of leaving, Xhaka doubled down on his commitment, rebuilt his relationship with the supporters, and under manager Mikel Arteta, became the undisputed heart and leader of the team. His transformation from scapegoat to captain, lifting trophies and dictating play with a newfound maturity, is one of the Premier League's most compelling narratives. For Switzerland, he has long been a pillar, leading his nation with over 120 caps.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Granit was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Granit Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Granit's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained Arsenal to FA Cup victory in 2020 and the FA Community Shield in 2020 and 2023.
- Has earned over 120 caps for the Switzerland national team, serving as captain.
- Won two German Cups (DFB-Pokal) with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
- Named Swiss Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2022.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Taulant Xhaka, also a professional footballer, plays for the Albanian national team, meaning they have faced each other in international matches.
He is married to Leonita Lekaj, a singer of Kosovan descent.
He was sent off 12 times in his first five seasons in the Premier League, highlighting his combative style.
His father was a political prisoner in Yugoslavia for his pro-Albanian activism.
“I am the guy who will never give up. I was always like this, and I will always be like this.”
