Granit Xhaka, Switzerland's World Cup captain, believes his leadership skills were forged at a young age when he was given the keys to his family home at just four years old. The 33-year-old midfielder is now poised to lead his team into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 if they beat Colombia on Tuesday.
Early Responsibility
Xhaka's parents, Albanian immigrants in Switzerland, worked long hours to provide for their family. This left young Granit and his older brother Taulant to fend for themselves for up to 18 hours a day. 'I think I learned about leadership already when I was four years old,' Xhaka told Stan Sport Football earlier this year. 'My parents were working during the day, extra work just to get us what we wanted and it is why we are where we are today.'
A Tough Upbringing
Xhaka's parents met and married in Kosovo, then part of Yugoslavia and later Serbia. His father, Ragip, was imprisoned for three years after participating in an anti-government demonstration. The family eventually fled to Switzerland, where Xhaka and his brother would go on to become successful footballers. Xhaka chose to represent Switzerland, while Taulant opted for Albania.
Resilience on the Pitch
Xhaka's early experiences have contributed to his resilience as a player. He bounced back from being stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in 2019 after a heated exchange with fans. Under new management, he re-established himself and later played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen's league and cup double in 2024. Now, with Switzerland on the brink of a historic World Cup quarter-final, Xhaka's leadership will be crucial.
Why This Matters
Xhaka's story is a testament to the power of early responsibility and resilience. His journey from a child with house keys to a World Cup captain inspires not only his teammates but also fans worldwide. For Bangladesh, Xhaka's leadership and determination serve as a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.
