Xherdan Shaqiri: The Dynamic Midfielder Lighting Up the Pitch
Introduction
Xherdan Shaqiri, often referred to as the “Alpine Messi,” is a Swiss professional footballer renowned for his creativity, technical prowess, and dynamic playing style. Born on October 10, 1991, in Gjilan, Kosovo, into a family that would eventually move to Switzerland due to political instability in the region. His early life was shaped by a love for football, which he cultivated alongside his brother, Erdin, who also pursued a career in the sport.
Shaqiri has carved out a distinguished career across top European leagues and on the international stage with Switzerland. His journey from humble beginnings to football stardom is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the game.
| Full Name | Xherdan Shaqiri |
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Gjilan, Kosovo |
| Height | 1.69 meters (5 feet 7 inches) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lbs) |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Jersey Number | 10 |
| Current Teams | Chicago Fire (MLS), Switzerland National Team |
Xherdan Shaqiri Club Career
| Club | Country | Duration | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Basel | Switzerland | 2009–2012 | 3x Swiss Super League titles, 2x Swiss Cup |
| Bayern Munich | Germany | 2012–2015 | 2x Bundesliga, 2x DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League (2012-13), FIFA Club World Cup (2013) |
| Inter Milan | Italy | 2015 | |
| Stoke City | England | 2015–2018 | Goal of the Season (2015-16) |
| Liverpool | England | 2018–2021 | UEFA Champions League (2018-19), Premier League (2019-20), FIFA Club World Cup (2019) |
| Lyon | France | 2021–2022 | |
| Chicago Fire | United States | 2022–Present |
- Shaqiri’s achievements at Liverpool include both team success and key individual contributions.
- His time at Bayern Munich saw multiple domestic and international honors despite limited playing time.
- At FC Basel, he developed into a professional player, achieving multiple domestic league titles and cups.
- Stoke City provided Shaqiri with regular playing time and a platform to showcase his individual talent in the Premier League.
- His move to Lyon was brief, leading to a subsequent transfer to the Chicago Fire in MLS.
International Career
| Tournament | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2010 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| UEFA Euro 2012 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Quarter-finals |
| FIFA World Cup 2014 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Round of 16, Hat-trick against Honduras |
| UEFA Euro 2016 | 4 | 2 | 0 | Round of 16, Goal of the Tournament nominee (bicycle kick vs Poland) |
| FIFA World Cup 2018 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| UEFA Euro 2020 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Quarter-finals |
| Total | 23 | 8 | 3 |
Notes:
- Shaqiri has consistently been a key player for Switzerland in major international tournaments.
- His memorable performances include a hat-trick in the 2014 World Cup and a spectacular bicycle kick goal in Euro 2016.
- These statistics reflect his impact and contributions to the Swiss national team over the years.
Personal Details
| Father | Isen |
| Mother | Fatime |
| Brother | Erdin Shaqiri , Arianit Shaqiri  |
| Sister | Medina Shaqiri |
| Girlfriend | Dhurata Ahmetaj (Kosovan Pop Star) |
| Children | N/A |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Salary | $7.3 million per season |
FAQs About Xherdan Shaqiri
1. Where was Xherdan Shaqiri born and raised?
Xherdan Shaqiri was born on October 10, 1991, in Gjilan, Kosovo. His family moved to Switzerland when he was young due to political unrest in Kosovo, where he began his football career.
2. What clubs has Xherdan Shaqiri played for during his career?
Shaqiri has played for several prominent clubs, including FC Basel (Switzerland), Bayern Munich (Germany), Inter Milan (Italy), Stoke City (England), Liverpool (England), Lyon (France), and currently plays for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer (MLS).
3. What are some of Xherdan Shaqiri’s notable achievements in football?
Shaqiri has won multiple domestic league titles and cups with FC Basel and Bayern Munich. He was part of Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League-winning squad in 2012-2013. Internationally, he scored a memorable hat-trick for Switzerland in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
4. Who is Xherdan Shaqiri’s girlfriend?
Xherdan Shaqiri’s girlfriend is Dhurata Ahmetaj, a Kosovan pop star known for her music career in Europe.
5. What is Xherdan Shaqiri’s current net worth and salary?
As of the latest reports, Xherdan Shaqiri’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. He earns approximately $7.3 million per season from his football contracts.