Granit Xhaka has been named Switzerland’s footballer of the year 2022 following a fantastic season with Arsenal.
After a stellar season, the 30-year-old Swiss player for Arsenal, who along with Bréel Embolo and Remo Freuler were the only players to appear in all 13 of the Swiss national team’s games last year, won the honor on Monday.
The representative squad has benefited greatly from Xhaka’s contributions, which have helped the team accomplish its goals.
The Arsenal midfielder noted at the event organized by the Swiss Football Federation (SFV) and the Swiss Football League (SFL) at Casino Bern that: “I also thank those who did not believe in me, because they always pushed me. Three years ago I was at Arsenal and now I’m here as a leader. The award means a lot to me.”
The title for the best player in the Swiss Super League in 2022 went to Fabian Rieder of Young Boys, who was also selected as the best young player.
Bianconero Ousmane Doumbia was one of the contenders for the honor.
Brighton Labeau (of the Challenge League) and Fabienne Humm (of the Women’s Super League) are Switzerland’s top players, respectively (Lausanne).
Fabienne Humm (Zurich) is Switzerland’s top Women’s Super League player, while Brighton Labeau is the best Challenge League player (Lausanne).
Granit Xhaka
Swiss-born professional footballer Granit Xhaka (born September 27, 1992) plays midfield for Premier League Club Arsenal and the Switzerland national team.
Xhaka started his professional career with FC Basel, his local team, where he won the Swiss Super League in each of his first two seasons.
He later transferred to Borussia Mönchengladbach of the Bundesliga, where he gained not just a reputation as a technically skilled player but also as a natural leader who was also criticized for his temperament.
At the age of 22, he was appointed captain of Borussia Mönchengladbach, helping the side qualify for the UEFA Champions League for a second straight season.
In May 2016, he concluded a well-publicized transfer to Arsenal for a sum around £30 million. Later on, he was appointed club vice-captain.
Xhaka was a member of the Swiss squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009.
In addition to the FIFA World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, as well as the UEFA European Championships in 2016 and 2020, he had over 110 caps since making his senior debut in 2011.
Xhaka complained to the Albanian sports media that the FSHF was neglecting him while the Swiss Football Association was showing considerably more interest before making his international debut for Switzerland.
At the time, Xhaka was still debating playing for his birth country or his adopted nation, Albania.
On June 4, 2011, in a 2-2 UEFA Euro 2012 qualification tie with England at Wembley Stadium, Xhaka made his international debut for Switzerland.
He made his debut for his country on November 15, 2011, in a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg at the Stade Josy Barthel.
