Granit Xhaka: Age, Religion, Wife, Net Worth, Arsenal Exit

Granit Xhaka has never been a player who slips through a match without making an impression. He spent seven seasons at Arsenal, making 297 appearances and winning two FA Cups according to Sky Sports (sports news division), but his departure in 2023 still fuels online debates. This profile digs into the questions fans ask most — from his Arsenal exit to his ethnicity, faith, and family — and separates what’s known from what’s still unclear.

Age: 33 (born 27 September 1992) · Position: Defensive Midfielder · Current Club: Sunderland AFC · Nationality: Switzerland

These verified details anchor Xhaka’s public record.

Why did Granit Xhaka leave Arsenal?

What were Granit Xhaka’s stats at Arsenal?

Xhaka made 297 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring 23 goals and providing 23 assists, according to Sky Sports. His time in North London included two FA Cup titles (2017, 2020) and the Community Shield (2017). He was named club captain in 2019 but lost the armband after a fierce row with supporters in October 2019 when he reacted angrily to being booed off the pitch against Crystal Palace.

What did Xhaka say about his Arsenal exit?

Xhaka has not given a detailed public interview about the reasons behind his departure. However, Sky Sports reported that a combination of on-field tension with sections of the fanbase and a desire for a fresh start after seven seasons prompted the move. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta publicly praised Xhaka’s contribution and said the decision was mutual. The fee was £21.4 million, paid by Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023.

What this means: Xhaka’s exit was the culmination of a long, strained relationship with a portion of the Arsenal faithful.

Is Granit Xhaka religious?

What is Granit Xhaka’s religion?

There is no publicly confirmed information about Xhaka’s personal faith. Several social media posts — including a TikTok video (user-generated content) and an Instagram reel (user post) — claim he is Muslim, but none provide credible evidence or interviews. Xhaka himself has not addressed the topic in any known press conference or feature.

The implication: without a direct statement from Xhaka or a trusted source, the question remains open. Most biographical profiles avoid the subject.

How rich is Granit Xhaka?

What is Granit Xhaka’s net worth?

Estimates for Granit Xhaka’s net worth range between £25 million and £30 million, largely based on his career earnings across top European leagues. WageIndicator (salary database) lists his annual income at $5,680,191 as of 2025, which would place his accumulated wealth in that ballpark. However, no independent financial disclosure exists.

What are Granit Xhaka’s salary and endorsements?

At Arsenal, Xhaka reportedly earned around £120,000 per week. His current Sunderland contract is undisclosed but is likely lower. He has endorsement deals with sportswear brands, though specific figures are not public. Most financial data comes from aggregate salary sites rather than official contracts.

The implication: without official disclosure, all figures remain educated guesses.

What ethnicity is Granit Xhaka?

What is Granit Xhaka’s nationality?

Granit Xhaka holds Swiss nationality and represents the Switzerland national team. He has been capped over 130 times and serves as captain, according to Wikipedia.

How old is Granit Xhaka?

Born on 27 September 1992, Xhaka is 33 years old as of 2025.

Where was Granit Xhaka born?

Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland. His parents are ethnic Albanians who fled Kosovo in 1990 and settled in Basel, as detailed in a These Football Times (football culture magazine) feature. The article describes his family background as one shaped by migration and split national allegiances.

The pattern: Xhaka’s Albanian Kosovo heritage is well documented, but his Swiss nationality is official. He has frequently spoken of feeling a dual identity, but only his Swiss passport determines his national team eligibility.

Who is Granit Xhaka’s wife?

Does Granit Xhaka have a brother?

Yes, Granit Xhaka’s older brother Taulant Xhaka is also a professional footballer. Taulant plays as a midfielder for FC Basel and represents Albania at international level. The two brothers famously faced each other at Euro 2016 when Switzerland played Albania. Their story was covered by These Football Times (football culture magazine).

Granit Xhaka family background

Granit is married to Leonora Lekaj. The couple have one daughter, reportedly named Laneya. Leonora has been seen attending matches and the family is based in Switzerland during off-seasons. Xhaka’s parents, Elmaze and Ragip Xhaka, raised him and Taulant in Basel.

A comprehensive look at the numbers behind his career.

“Bayer 04 describes Xhaka as a Swiss international and midfield strategist.”

Bayer 04 (official club website)

“The feature frames the brothers’ story as one shaped by family migration and split allegiances.”

These Football Times (football culture magazine)

The editorial reading: Xhaka’s career is a study in friction and adaptation. At Arsenal he was both hero and villain; at Leverkusen he was a key cog in a double-winning machine. For Sunderland, the challenge is reigniting a stalled Premier League dream.

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