Granit Xhaka (foto: Getty Images)
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka says the responsibility he carries today began as a child, when his parents worked two jobs and left him to care for himself and his brother.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Granit Xhaka is preparing to lead Switzerland into one of the biggest matches in the nation's football history, but the lessons that shaped him began long before he became an international captain.
As Switzerland prepares to face Colombia for a place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, Xhaka has reflected on a childhood defined by responsibility, sacrifice and resilience.
Speaking to Stan Sport Football, the 33-year-old revealed he believes his leadership journey began when he was only four years old.
"I think I learned about leadership when I was four years old," Xhaka said.
"My parents worked all day and often took extra jobs to give us a better life. When I was four, they gave me the keys to our home. From that moment, I had responsibility."
Xhaka explained that he and his older brother, Taulant Xhaka, often spent long hours alone while their parents worked.
"My daughters are six and four today, and I can't imagine leaving them alone for 18 hours. But that's how my brother and I grew up."
His mother, Elmaze Xhaka, started work before dawn, prepared meals for the family, returned home in the afternoon to cook again, and then left for a second job. His father, Ragip Xhaka, worked just as hard to support the family after they settled in Switzerland.
The family's story began in Kosovo. Before moving to Switzerland, Ragip Xhaka was imprisoned after taking part in anti-government demonstrations during the rule of Slobodan Milošević.
Speaking previously to The Times, Granit recalled the uncertainty his family endured.
"Nobody knew whether he was still alive. Sometimes he went months without speaking to his family."
After his release, the family fled to Switzerland, where Granit and Taulant eventually developed into professional footballers. Both came through the academy at Basel, although Granit chose to represent Switzerland internationally while Taulant played for Albania.
Xhaka's career has also included difficult moments. He lost the captaincy at Arsenal after a public disagreement with supporters in 2019, but rebuilt his career under Mikel Arteta before becoming a key figure in Bayer Leverkusen's historic unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double in 2024.
Now playing for Sunderland, Xhaka has another opportunity to make history by leading Switzerland to their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954.