Xherdan Shaqiri earned 125 international caps for Switzerland during a professional career that spanned major European leagues and several prestigious continental titles. Born in Zhegër, Gjilan, in 1991, he emigrated to Switzerland as a child. He eventually emerged as a prominent attacking midfielder, representing his nation at four FIFA World Cup tournaments and three UEFA European Championships.
Early Development in Basel
After early training at SV Augst, Shaqiri joined the Basel youth system at age eight. His performance at the 2007 Under-15 Nike Cup marked him as a top prospect. He signed a professional contract with Basel in January 2009 and made his senior debut that July. During his tenure at St. Jakob-Park, he contributed to multiple Swiss Super League titles and domestic cup victories, notably assisting two goals in a 2011 Champions League win against Manchester United.
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Shaqiri moved to Bayern Munich in 2012 for a reported €11.6 million. Competing against established stars, he contributed to a historic treble in the 2012–13 season, winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League. By age 22, he had secured 13 medals. In January 2015, he joined Inter Milan for €15 million, where he scored his first Serie A goal against Atalanta and netted in the UEFA Europa League against Celtic.
English Premier League Tenure
In August 2015, Shaqiri transferred to Stoke City for a club-record £12 million. Following the club's 2018 relegation, he joined Liverpool for £13.5 million. His time at Liverpool included a 2019 UEFA Champions League title, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2020 Premier League championship. He concluded his international career in 2024 with 32 goals for the Swiss national team.
Fast facts
- Born: 1991, Gjilan
- International caps: 125
- International goals: 32
- Positions: Attacking midfielder, winger
- Languages: German, English, Albanian
- Notable club: Basel, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Stoke City, Liverpool
Questions readers ask
How many World Cups did Xherdan Shaqiri play in?
He represented Switzerland at four FIFA World Cup tournaments: 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
What major trophies did he win with Liverpool?
He won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the Premier League.
Achievements
- Worked as association football player
