Xherdan Shaqiri facts for kids
Shaqiri with Switzerland at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Xherdan Shaqiri | |||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 10 October 1991 | |||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Gjilan, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia (present-day Kosovo) |
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| Height | 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in) | |||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Winger | |||||||||||||||
| Team information | ||||||||||||||||
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Current team
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FC Basel | |||||||||||||||
| Number | 10 | |||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||
| 1999–2001 | SV Augst | |||||||||||||||
| 2001–2009 | FC Basel | |||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||
| 2007–2009 | FC Basel II | 19 | (8) | |||||||||||||
| 2009–2012 | FC Basel | 92 | (18) | |||||||||||||
| 2012–2015 | Bayern Munich | 52 | (11) | |||||||||||||
| 2015 | Inter Milan | 15 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2015–2018 | Stoke City | 84 | (15) | |||||||||||||
| 2018–2021 | Liverpool | 45 | (7) | |||||||||||||
| 2021–2022 | Lyon | 11 | (2) | |||||||||||||
| 2022–2024 | Chicago Fire | 69 | (14) | |||||||||||||
| 2024– | FC Basel | 31 | (18) | |||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||
| 2007–2008 | Switzerland U17 | 10 | (0) | |||||||||||||
| 2008–2009 | Switzerland U18 | 5 | (0) | |||||||||||||
| 2009 | Switzerland U19 | 5 | (3) | |||||||||||||
| 2009–2011 | Switzerland U21 | 7 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| 2010–2024 | Switzerland | 125 | (32) | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10 May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
Xherdan Shaqiri (born 10 October 1991) is a Swiss professional footballer. He plays as a winger for Swiss Super League club Basel.
Shaqiri started his career at Basel and helped them win three Swiss Super League titles. In 2012, he moved to Bayern Munich in Germany. There, he won three Bundesliga titles. He also won the UEFA Champions League with Bayern.
After playing for Inter Milan in Italy, Shaqiri joined Stoke City in England in 2015. In 2018, he moved to Liverpool. With Liverpool, he won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the Premier League.
Shaqiri played for the Swiss national team from 2010 to 2024. He played in four FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships. He is one of Switzerland's most capped players and highest goalscorers.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Xherdan Shaqiri was born in Zhegër, which was part of Yugoslavia at the time. His parents are from Kosovo. In 1992, when he was a baby, his family moved to Switzerland. They settled in a small town called Augst.
His father worked hard in construction, and his mother was a cleaner. Xherdan and his brothers often helped their mother. They didn't have much extra money. Xherdan looked up to the famous Brazilian footballer Ronaldo. He said Ronaldo played "like magic."
Club Football Journey
Starting at Basel
Shaqiri began his football journey at his local club, SV Augst. When he was eight, Basel noticed his talent. He played for Basel's youth teams. In 2007, he was named the best player in the Under-15 Nike Cup.
He signed his first professional contract with Basel in 2009. His first game for Basel was on 12 July 2009. He scored his first goal for the club later that year. With Basel, he won the Swiss league title three times. He also won the Swiss Cup twice.
Moving to Bayern Munich
In February 2012, Shaqiri joined German club Bayern Munich. He signed a four-year contract. He had strong competition for a spot in the team. Famous players like Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben also played in his position.
He made his debut for Bayern in July 2012. His first goal for the club came in a cup match. He helped Bayern win many games. In 2013, he won the UEFA Champions League with Bayern. He also won the Bundesliga and the German Cup. This was a historic "treble" for Bayern. He later won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup too. By 2014, at just 22, he was Switzerland's most successful footballer.
Time at Inter Milan
Shaqiri moved to Italian club Inter Milan in January 2015. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract. He chose the number 91 for his shirt, representing his birth year.
He made his debut for Inter on 17 January. He scored his first goal for Inter in a cup match. He also scored his first goal in the Italian league in February 2015. He played in the UEFA Europa League for Inter as well.
Playing for Stoke City
In August 2015, Shaqiri joined Stoke City in England. This was a club-record transfer fee for Stoke. He signed a five-year deal.
He made his debut for Stoke eleven days later. He scored his first goals for Stoke in December 2015. He scored two goals in a 4–3 win against Everton. One of his goals was a fantastic half-volley. He played 32 games for Stoke in his first season.
In the 2016–17 season, Shaqiri scored a great free kick. He also scored two long-range goals against Hull City. One of these was named Stoke's goal of the season. He played 22 games that season.
In the 2017–18 season, he scored eight goals for Stoke. He was the club's top goalscorer. However, Stoke City was relegated from the Premier League that season.
Success at Liverpool
On 13 July 2018, Liverpool signed Shaqiri. He signed a five-year deal. He made his debut for Liverpool in August. His first full start was in September. He received praise for his performance.
Shaqiri scored his first goal for Liverpool in October. In December, he scored two goals against Manchester United. This helped Liverpool win 3–1. It was Liverpool's first league win against Manchester United since 2014.
In June 2019, Shaqiri won his second UEFA Champions League medal. Liverpool won the final 2–0. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019. In June 2020, Liverpool won the Premier League. This was Liverpool's first league title in 30 years. Shaqiri received a medal for his part in the team.
Time in France and USA
In August 2021, Shaqiri moved to French club Lyon. He signed a contract until 2024. He played in about half of their league matches.
In February 2022, Shaqiri joined Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire in the USA. This was the most expensive transfer in Chicago Fire history. He played for Chicago Fire until August 2024. He decided it was the "right time" to explore new opportunities.
Return to Basel
On 16 August 2024, Shaqiri returned to FC Basel. He signed a three-year contract with his former club. He has continued to score goals for Basel since his return.
Playing for Switzerland
Youth and Early Senior Career
Shaqiri played for Switzerland's youth teams. He made his debut for the Switzerland under-21 team in 2009. He scored his first goal for them in 2011.
He joined the senior Swiss team in 2010. He made his debut in March 2010. He was part of the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first goal for Switzerland in September 2010. He scored a hat-trick in a Euro 2012 qualifier in 2011.
World Cups and European Championships
Shaqiri was part of Switzerland's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was named man of the match in their opening game. He scored a hat-trick against Honduras. This helped Switzerland reach the knockout stage.
He also played in UEFA Euro 2016. He scored a fantastic bicycle kick goal against Poland. He scored in the penalty shootout, but Switzerland lost.
Shaqiri was in Switzerland's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He scored the winning goal against Serbia. He and another player celebrated in a way that caused a fine from FIFA.
He was also part of the Swiss squad for UEFA Euro 2020. He scored two goals against Turkey. He scored again in the quarter-final against Spain. Switzerland lost that match in a penalty shootout.
In November 2021, Shaqiri reached 100 games for Switzerland. He was only the fifth Swiss player to do so. He was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored a goal in a 3–2 win against Serbia. This helped Switzerland qualify for the knockout stage.
Shaqiri was selected for UEFA Euro 2024. He scored a goal against Scotland. This made him the first player to score in six major international tournaments in a row.
On 15 July 2024, Shaqiri announced he was retiring from the national team. He played 125 games and scored 32 goals for Switzerland.
How He Plays
Shaqiri mainly plays as a right winger. FIFA describes him as "unpredictable on the ball." He is good with both feet and has excellent vision. He is known for his powerful shots.
He is sometimes called "the Alpine Messi" or "the magic dwarf." This is because of his skill and smaller size. He can also play as an attacking midfielder. He is agile and fast. He has great technique and balance. He is dangerous in many attacking areas.
Personal Life
Xherdan Shaqiri is a Muslim. However, he celebrates Christmas with his family. He said his little sister loves having a Christmas tree.
In 2014, he was featured on the cover of the FIFA 15 video game in Switzerland. He was next to Lionel Messi. Shaqiri is sponsored by Nike. He wears Nike Mercurial Vapor boots. At the 2018 World Cup, his boots had the flags of Switzerland and Kosovo on them.
Career Statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | National cup | League cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Basel II | 2007–08 | Swiss 1. Liga | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 2 | 0 | ||||
| 2008–09 | Swiss 1. Liga | 17 | 8 | — | — | — | — | 17 | 8 | |||||
| Total | 19 | 8 | — | — | — | — | 19 | 8 | ||||||
| Basel | 2009–10 | Swiss Super League | 32 | 4 | 5 | 1 | — | 10 | 2 | — | 47 | 7 | ||
| 2010–11 | Swiss Super League | 29 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — | 11 | 2 | — | 42 | 7 | |||
| 2011–12 | Swiss Super League | 31 | 9 | 4 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | — | 41 | 9 | |||
| Total | 92 | 18 | 11 | 1 | — | 27 | 4 | — | 130 | 23 | ||||
| Bayern Munich | 2012–13 | Bundesliga | 26 | 4 | 5 | 3 | — | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 8 | |
| 2013–14 | Bundesliga | 17 | 6 | 3 | 1 | — | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 27 | 7 | ||
| 2014–15 | Bundesliga | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 2 | ||
| Total | 52 | 11 | 9 | 4 | — | 15 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 81 | 17 | |||
| Inter Milan | 2014–15 | Serie A | 15 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 3 | 1 | — | 20 | 3 | ||
| Stoke City | 2015–16 | Premier League | 27 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 32 | 3 | ||
| 2016–17 | Premier League | 21 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 22 | 4 | |||
| 2017–18 | Premier League | 36 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 38 | 8 | |||
| Total | 84 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 92 | 15 | ||||
| Liverpool | 2018–19 | Premier League | 24 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 30 | 6 | |
| 2019–20 | Premier League | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2020–21 | Premier League | 14 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | |
| Total | 45 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 63 | 8 | ||
| Lyon | 2021–22 | Ligue 1 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | — | 16 | 2 | ||
| Chicago Fire | 2022 | MLS | 29 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 29 | 7 | |||
| 2023 | MLS | 28 | 5 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 2 | 34 | 7 | |||
| 2024 | MLS | 12 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 12 | 2 | |||||
| Total | 69 | 14 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 3 | 2 | 75 | 16 | ||||
| Basel | 2024–25 | Swiss Super League | 31 | 18 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | 35 | 20 | |||
| Career total | 418 | 94 | 35 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 60 | 7 | 11 | 2 | 530 | 113 | ||
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 2010 | 9 | 1 |
| 2011 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2012 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2013 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2014 | 12 | 7 | |
| 2015 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 8 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 12 | 2 | |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 14 | 4 | |
| 2022 | 12 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2024 | 6 | 3 | |
| Total | 125 | 32 | |
- Switzerland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Shaqiri goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 September 2010 | St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland | 7 |  England |
1–2 | 1–3 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying | |
| 2 | 6 September 2011 | St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland | 13 |  Bulgaria |
1–1 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying | |
| 3 | 2–1 | |||||||
| 4 | 3–1 | |||||||
| 5 | 29 February 2012 | Stade de Suisse, Bern, Switzerland | 18 |  Argentina |
1–1 | 1–3 | Friendly | |
| 6 | 11 September 2012 | Swissporarena, Lucerne, Switzerland | 21 |  Albania |
2–0 | 2–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 7 | 14 November 2012 | Stade Olympique de Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia | 24 |  Tunisia |
2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
| 8 | 11 October 2013 | Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania | 30 | Albania |
1–0 | 2–1 | 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 9 | 3 June 2014 | Swissporarena, Lucerne, Switzerland | 33 |  Peru |
2–0 | 2–0 | Friendly | |
| 10 | 25 June 2014 | Arena da Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil | 36 |  Honduras |
1–0 | 3–0 | 2014 FIFA World Cup | |
| 11 | 2–0 | |||||||
| 12 | 3–0 | |||||||
| 13 | 14 October 2014 | San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino | 40 |  San Marino |
4–0 | 4–0 | UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying | |
| 14 | 15 November 2014 | AFG Arena, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 41 |  Lithuania |
3–0 | 4–0 | UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying | |
| 15 | 4–0 | |||||||
| 16 | 10 June 2015 | Stockhorn Arena, Thun, Switzerland | 45 |  Liechtenstein |
2–0 | 3–0 | Friendly | |
| 17 | 14 June 2015 | LFF Stadium, Vilnius, Lithuania | 46 | Lithuania |
2–1 | 2–1 | UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying | |
| 18 | 25 June 2016 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Étienne, France | 57 |  Poland |
1–1 | 1–1 (aet) | UEFA Euro 2016 | |
| 19 | 1 June 2017 | Stade de la Maladière, Neuchâtel, Switzerland | 61 |  Belarus |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly | |
| 20 | 9 June 2017 | Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands | 62 |  Faroe Islands |
2–0 | 2–0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 21 | 22 June 2018 | Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad, Russia | 72 |  Serbia |
2–1 | 2–1 | 2018 FIFA World Cup | |
| 22 | 8 September 2018 | Kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 75 |  Iceland |
3–0 | 6–0 | 2018–19 UEFA Nations League A | |
| 23 | 28 March 2021 | Kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 88 | Lithuania |
1–0 | 1–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 24 | 20 June 2021 | Olympic Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan | 94 |  Turkey |
2–0 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2020 | |
| 25 | 3–1 | |||||||
| 26 | 2 July 2021 | Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia | 96 |  Spain |
1–1 | 1–1 (aet) | UEFA Euro 2020 | |
| 27 | 2 December 2022 | Stadium 974, Doha, Qatar | 111 | Serbia |
1–0 | 3–2 | 2022 FIFA World Cup | |
| 28 | 12 September 2023 | Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland | 116 |  Andorra |
3–0 | 3–0 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | |
| 29 | 15 October 2023 | Kybunpark, St. Gallen, Switzerland | 117 | Belarus |
1–0 | 3–3 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | |
| 30 | 26 March 2024 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland | 121 |  Republic of Ireland |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly | |
| 31 | 4 June 2024 | Swissporarena, Lucerne, Switzerland | 122 |  Estonia |
4–0 | 4–0 | Friendly | |
| 32 | 19 June 2024 | RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany | 124 |  Scotland |
1–1 | 1–1 | UEFA Euro 2024 |
Awards and Achievements
Basel
- Swiss Super League: 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2024–25
- Swiss Cup: 2009–10, 2011–12
Bayern Munich
- Bundesliga: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15
- DFB-Pokal: 2012–13, 2013–14
- DFL-Supercup: 2012
- UEFA Champions League: 2012–13
- UEFA Super Cup: 2013
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2013
Liverpool
- Premier League: 2019–20
- UEFA Champions League: 2018–19
- UEFA Super Cup: 2019
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019
Switzerland U21
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2011
Individual Awards
- Swiss Footballer of the Year: 2011, 2012
- Swiss Golden Player Award "SFAP Golden Player": 2012
- Swiss Golden Player Award "Best Young Player": 2012
- UEFA European Championship Goal of the Tournament: 2016
- UEFA Nations League Finals Team of the Tournament: 2019
- Swiss Super League top scorer: 2024–25
See also
In Spanish: Xherdan Shaqiri para niños
- List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
