As Bayer Leverkusen enters a decisive stage of the season in pursuit of the Bundesliga title, Granit Xhaka remains a central figure on the pitch a leader, tireless and relentless. But behind this powerful and consistent version of Xhaka we see every weekend lies a deeply human story.
In an interview with Sport Bild, he revealed that he’s never received praise from his father. “My father has never praised me,” Xhaka says not as a complaint, but as a defining truth that has pushed him toward perfection. “It’s my biggest motivation that one day, he might say: ‘Today you played exceptionally well.’”
Self-analysis is part of Xhaka’s routine. He records every match, watches it back emotionlessly, and reflects on his mistakes. At 32 years old, he remains in peak physical condition, handling 50+ matches per season. No excuses. No complaints about fatigue.
He’s also a father to three daughters a role that, according to him, has brought a new dimension to his life: more calm, more maturity, more balance. “When I hold my children in my arms, football takes a back seat for a little while,” he shares.
On the pitch, he’s a leader. At home, he’s a devoted father who wakes up early to care for his girls, eats right, sleeps 6–7 hours a night, and believes that recovery is the key to lasting performance.
This interview is about more than football. It speaks of commitment, sacrifice, and the values that live on beyond the field — humility, respect for family, and relentless hard work. And maybe one day, Xhaka will hear the words he’s waited his whole life for. But until then, he’ll keep fighting — with the same passion and discipline that has defined his career.
