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'{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Taulant Xhaka | image = CSKA Moscow v Basel (7).jpg | image_size = 250 | caption = | fullname = Taulant Ragip Xhaka | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|3|28|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Basel]], Switzerland | height = 1.72 m<ref name=" Profile">{{cite web |url=https://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/Teams/1-Mannschaft#Mittelfeld|title=Player Profile }}</ref> | position = [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|Defensive midfielder]] / [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|Right back]] | currentclub = [[FC Basel|Basel]] | clubnumber = 34 | youthyears1 = 2000–2002 | youthclubs1 = [[FC Concordia Basel|Concordia Basel]] | youthyears2 = 2002–2009 | youthclubs2 = [[FC Basel|Basel]] | years1 = 2008–2010 | clubs1 = [[FC Basel#Reserve team (under-21 )|Basel U21]] | caps1 = 50 | goals1 = 6 | years2 = 2010– | clubs2 = [[FC Basel|Basel]] | caps2 = 140 | goals2 = 5 | years3 = 2012–2013 | clubs3 = → [[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshopper]] (loan) | caps3 = 38 | goals3 = 0 | nationalyears1 = 2008–2009 | nationalteam1 = [[Switzerland national under-17 football team|Switzerland U17]] | nationalcaps1 = 14 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2009–2010 | nationalteam2 = [[Switzerland national under-18 football team|Switzerland U18]] | nationalcaps2 = 6 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalyears3 = 2009–2010 | nationalteam3 = [[Switzerland national under-19 football team|Switzerland U19]] | nationalcaps3 = 9 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | nationalyears4 = 2010–2011 | nationalteam4 = [[Switzerland national under-20 football team|Switzerland U20]] | nationalcaps4 = 8 | nationalgoals4 = 0 | nationalyears5 = 2011–2013 | nationalteam5 = [[Switzerland national under-21 football team|Switzerland U21]] | nationalcaps5 = 4 | nationalgoals5 = 0 | nationalyears6 = 2014– | nationalteam6 = [[Albania national football team|Albania]] | nationalcaps6 = 22 | nationalgoals6 = 1 | medaltemplates = | club-update = 17 April 2018 | nationalteam-update = 7 September 2018 }} '''Taulant Ragip Xhaka''' (born 28 March 1991) is a Swiss-born Albanian professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]] for Swiss club [[FC Basel|Basel]] and the [[Albania national football team|Albania national team]]. During the beginning of his career he played as a [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|right back]] but following his return to the Basel team after his loan to [[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshopper Club]] he was moved to his current position defensive midfielder which he played at Albania national team since his debut in 2014 and since the start of the 2016–17 season with Basel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Albania – T. Xhaka – Profile with news, career statistics and history|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/taulant-xhaka/134236/matches/|publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=5 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whoscored.com/Players/90243/Show/Taulant-Xhaka|website=whoscored.com|title=Taulant Xhaka Football Statistics|accessdate=5 November 2017}}</ref> ==Early life== Xhaka was born in [[Basel]], Switzerland to Albanian parents originally from [[Kuršumlija]], Serbia<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GasLorVV6qE|title=Nga Nishi deri tek Molla e Kuqe|quote= Granit Xhaka und Taulant Xhaka kommen ursprünglich vom Dorf Dzake in Serbie. Dzake befindet sich in der Nähe von Kuršumlija in Serbien. Das wir in dieser Doku ausführlich erwähnt.»}}</ref> and is the elder brother of [[Granit Xhaka]], who is also a professional footballer who plays for [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] and the [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland national team]]. His father Ragip was a student at [[University of Pristina (1969–99)|University of Pristina]] and at age of 22 in 1986 he participated in demonstrations against the [[League of Communists of Yugoslavia|Communist Yugoslavia]] rule in Kosovo and as a result he was sentenced to prison for three and a half years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://albsport.al/2017/11/17/xhaka-babane-ma-kane-burgosur-sllavet-ne-angli-kam-gjetur-shume-shqiptare/|title=Xhaka: Babanë ma kanë burgosur sllavët, në Angli kam gjetur shumë shqiptarë|trans-title=Xhaka: My father was imprisoned by the Slavs, in England I have found many Albanians|publisher=Albsport.al|language=Albanian|date=20 November 2017|accessdate=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205093058/http://albsport.al/2017/11/17/xhaka-babane-ma-kane-burgosur-sllavet-ne-angli-kam-gjetur-shume-shqiptare/|archive-date=5 December 2017|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Their family moved from [[Podujevo]], [[District of Prishtina]] to Switzerland in 1990<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcb.ch/sport/show/playerDetailByID/-/30167/72/9/36/de-de/-/25328|quote=Geburtsort:Basel|title=Taulant Xhaka|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701182423/http://www.fcb.ch/sport/show/playerDetailByID/-/30167/72/9/36/de-de/-/25328|archivedate=1 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/2011/11/16/xhaka-zgjodha-pa-hezitim-zvicren-shqiptaret-me-thone-tradhtar/|title=Xhaka: Zgjodha pa hezitim Zvicrën, shqiptarët më thonë tradhtar!|quote=Granit, familja juaj vjen nga Kosova, po ju ku keni lindur? Në Zvicër, në Bazel kam lindur. Ashtu si Taulanti, vëllai im. Disa burime informacioni, duke përfshirë këtu edhe "Ëikipedia", kanë njoftuar se kam lindur në Kosovë, por kjo nuk është e vërtetë|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514225243/http://www.panorama.com.al/2011/11/16/xhaka-zgjodha-pa-hezitim-zvicren-shqiptaret-me-thone-tradhtar/|archivedate=14 May 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> before either was born.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.20min.ch/sport/fussball/story/14450158|title=Albanien hat schon telefoniert|quote=Bei Granits Mutter beisst der albanische Fussballverband denn auch auf Granit: «Unsere Kinder sind hier geboren worden und zur Schule gegangen. Sie gehören in die Schweiz.»}}</ref> ==Club career== ===Early years=== Xhaka started playing football at the age of 6 and entered at [[FC Concordia Basel]] in 2000 before moving along with his brother to [[FC Basel]] to years later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://euro.fshf.org/taulant-xhaka/|title=Taulant Xhaka – Euro 2016|publisher=FSHF.org|language=Albanian|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He played for various FC Basel youth teams and from 2008 became a regular member of the under-21 team for two years in the [[Swiss 1. Liga (football)|Swiss 1. Liga]] playing overall 37 games, scoring six goals.<ref name="T.Xhaka NFT" /> ===Basel=== At the beginning of the [[2010–11 Swiss Super League|2010–11 season]], he and his brother Granit moved up into the first team squad where he begun playing as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]]. He made his first team debut on 19 September 2010 in the 5–0 [[Swiss Cup]] win against [[FC Mendrisio-Stabio]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/Saison/Saisonspiel?m=2076|title=Der FCB gewinnt im Schweizer Cup mit 5:0 (2:0) gegen Mendrisio|publisher=FC Basel 1893|language=German|author=Urs Dünner|date=19 September 2010|accessdate=19 September 2010}}</ref> He made his Super League debut on 27 February 2011 in the 1–0 away win against [[FC Luzern|Luzern]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fcb.ch/sport/show/matchReport/-/2092|title=Wichtiger 1:0-Arbeitssieg für den FCB|publisher=FC Basel 1893|language=German|author=Remo Meister|date=27 February 2011|accessdate=27 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405061237/http://www.fcb.ch/sport/show/matchReport/-/2092#|archive-date=5 April 2012|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> At the end of the season, the team won the Super League title, Xhaka's first silverware with the club. In the next season, Xhaka scored his first Basel goal on 10 September during the 4–0 away league win against [[Servette FC|Servette]], where he came on as a substitute.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/09/10/switzerland/super-league/servette-fc-geneve/fc-basel/1116664/|title=Servette vs. Basel 0 – 4|publisher=Soccerway|date=10 September 2011|accessdate=10 September 2011}}</ref> On 27 September, he made his [[UEFA Champions League]] debut as a substitute in the 3–3 away draw against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000263/match=2007589/postmatch/report/index.html|title=United strike late to deny Basel famous win|publisher=UEFA|author=Simon Hart|date=27 September 2011|accessdate=27 September 2011}}</ref> ====Loan to Grasshoppers==== On 18 January 2012, it was announced Xhaka was sent on loan to [[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshoppers]] to gain first-team playing experience.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kosovain.eu/sq/Sport/10572|title=Zyrtare: Taulant Xhaka kalon te Grasshoppers|publisher=Kosova in EU|language=Albanian|date=18 January 2012|accessdate=18 January 2012}}</ref> He made his Grasshoppers debut on 12 February during the 2–0 away defeat to [[FC Zürich|Zürich]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2011/09/10/switzerland/super-league/servette-fc-geneve/fc-basel/1116664/|title=Zürich vs. Grasshoppers 2 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=12 February 2012|accessdate=12 February 2012}}</ref> and until the end of the season he established himself in the starting lineup, making 13 appearances during the second part of 2011–12 season. He also spent the 2012–13 season on loan to the Grasshoppers. But for the following season Basel recalled him into their squad.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/-/10045/30621|title=Vieles ist klar – vielleicht|work=Basler Zeitung|publisher=FC Basel 1893|language=German|date=3 June 2013|accessdate=3 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102194145/http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/-/10045/30621|archive-date=2 January 2014|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ====Return to Basel==== [[File:Manchester United v FC Basel, 12 September 2017 (23).jpg|thumb|left|220px|Xhaka on the ball during a game against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]].]] Basel coach [[Murat Yakin]] recalled Xhaka to the Basel squad as defensive midfielder. During the [[2013–14 Swiss Super League|2013–14 season]] he established himself in the starting lineup, making 23 league appearances and scoring two goals ''en route'' to winning his second league championship with Basel.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/Saison/Saisonspiel?m=2816|title=Fotos vom Spiel gegen Lausanne sowie den anschliessenden Feierlichkeiten|publisher=FC Basel 1893|language=German|author=Sacha Grossenbacher|date=18 May 2014|accessdate=18 May 2014}}</ref> He also made four cup appearances as the team reached in the final but was beaten 2–0 by Zürich after extra time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=sui/news/newsid=2093705.html|title=Gavranovic edges Zürich past nine-man Basel|publisher=UEFA|author=Axel Ruppert|date=21 April 2014|accessdate=21 April 2014}}</ref> He was also an important instrument in team's European campaign, playing ten matches in the Champions League and five in the [[UEFA Europa League]].<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Zindel|first1=Josef|title=Rotblau: Jahrbuch Saison 2014/2015|publisher=FC Basel Marketing AG|year=2014|ISBN = 978-3-7245-2027-6}}</ref> During the [[2014–15 Swiss Super League|2014–15 season]], Xhaka further secured his place in the starting lineup, playing 29 matches in league, as Basel were crowned champions for the sixth time in a row.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/News/2015/05/29/Der-Meisterfreitag-im-bunten-Zeitraffer|title=Der Meisterfreitag im bunten Zeitraffer|publisher=FC Basel 1893|language=German|author=Casar Marti|date=29 May 2015|accessdate=29 May 2015}}</ref> He scored his first goal of the season on 27 September in the 1–1 home draw against [[FC Thun|Thun]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2014/09/27/switzerland/super-league/fc-basel/fc-thun/1695199/|title=Basel vs. Thun 1 – 1|publisher=Soccerway|date=27 September 2014|accessdate=27 September 2011}}</ref> On 13 December, during the cup fixture against [[FC Sion|Sion]], Xhaka suffered an injury which kept him sidlined until the January 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/rashica-deciziv-te-vitesse-demtohet-taulant-xhaka/|title=Rashica deçiziv te Vitesse, dëmtohet Taulant Xhaka|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Adi Metaliu|date=13 December 2014|accessdate=13 December 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151216212247/http://www.supersport.al/rashica-deciziv-te-vitesse-demtohet-taulant-xhaka/|archivedate=16 December 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 9 January 2015, Xhaka extended his contract for a further three years, up until 30 June 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/News/2015/01/09/Vertragsverlaengerung-mit-Taulant-Xhaka|title=VERTRAGSVERLÄNGERUNG MIT TAULANT XHAKA|publisher=FC Basel 1893|language=German|date=9 January 2015|accessdate=9 January 2015}}</ref> In February 2015, he was included in the 2014 Team of the Year by [[Swiss Football Association]] and was placed as right-defender.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/shkelzen-gashi-lojtari-i-vitit-2014-ne-zvicer-edhe-xhaka-te-me-te-miret/|title=Shkëlzen Gashi, “Lojtari i Vitit 2014″ në Zvicër, edhe Xhaka te më të mirët|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=3 February 2015|accessdate=3 February 2015}}</ref> He became one of the three [[Albania national football team|Albania international footballers]] who participated in the knockout stage of the Champions League for the first time in history, alongside Basel teammates [[Shkëlzen Gashi]] and [[Arlind Ajeti]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sport.albeu.com/sport/historike-3-shqiptare-ne-18-at-e-champions-league-foto-lajm/189002/|title=Historike! 3 shqiptarë në 1/8-at e Champions League (FOTO LAJM)|publisher=Sport.albeu.com|language=Albanian|date=18 February 2015|accessdate=18 February 2015}}</ref> Under trainer [[Urs Fischer (footballer)|Urs Fischer]], Xhaka won the Swiss Super League championship at the end of the [[2015–16 Swiss Super League|2015–16 season]]<ref name="fcb 2016-04-30">{{cite web | first = Casper | last = Marti | year = 2016 | url = http://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/News/2016/04/30/FCB-Sion | title = Es ist vollbracht ! Der FCB ist zum 19. Mal Meister | publisher = FC Basel 1893 | accessdate = 30 April 2016}}</ref> and at the end of the [[2016–17 Swiss Super League|2016–17 Super League season]] for the sixth time. For the club this was the eighth title in a row and their 20th championship title in total.<ref name="fcb 2017-06-02">{{cite web | first = Casper | last = Marti | year = 2017 | url = https://www.fcb.ch/de-CH/News/2017/06/02/Der-Saisonabschluss-im-Zeitraffer | title = Der Saisonabschluss im Zeitraffer | publisher = FC Basel 1893 | accessdate = 2 June 2017}}</ref> They also won the [[Swiss Cup]] for the 12th time, which meant they had won the double for the sixth time in club history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Swiss football: FC Basel wins 3–0 over Sion in Geneva; police extra vigilant after game|url=https://allaboutgeneva.com/2017/05/25/swiss-football-fc-basel-wins-3-0-over-sion-in-geneva-police-extra-vigilant-after-game|publisher=allaboutgeneva.com|date=25 May 2017}}</ref> Following the [[retirement]] of [[Matías Emilio Delgado]] in the start of the 2017–18 season, on 5 August 2017, Xhaka became [[Captain (association football)#Vice-captain|Vice-captain]] of Basel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/situate-e-erret-ne-kombetare-por-xhaka-gradohet-ne-hierarkine-e-bazelit/|title=Situatë e errët në kombëtare, por Xhaka “gradohet” në hierarkinë e Bazelit|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=5 August 2017|accessdate=29 December 2017}}</ref> On 18 October 2017 Xhaka scored his first [[UEFA Champions League]] goal during the [[2017–18 UEFA Champions League group stage]] matchday 3 against [[PFC CSKA Moscow|CSKA Moscow]] in the [[VEB Arena]] helping Basel to take their second win.<ref>{{cite web|title=UEFA Champions League – CSKA Moskva-Basel|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2018/matches/round=2000881/match=2021627/index.html|publisher=UEFA|accessdate=18 October 2017}}</ref> ==International career== ===Switzerland=== Xhaka begun his international career with Switzerland by playing with the [[Switzerland national under-17 football team|under-17]] side at the [[2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship]]. He played in all three matches as starter, unable to prevent the team's early elimination from the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/fixturesresults/round=15030/match=302674/report=rp.html#selection-85.0-85.36|archive-url=https://archive.is/20120708193606/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/fixturesresults/round=15030/match=302674/report=rp.html#selection-85.0-85.36|dead-url=yes|archive-date=8 July 2012|title=Sergi stars on Spain's opening night|publisher=UEFA.com|author=Paul Saffer|date=4 May 2008|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/fixturesresults/round=15030/match=302678/report=rp.html|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130105072356/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/fixturesresults/round=15030/match=302678/report=rp.html|dead-url=yes|archive-date=5 January 2013|title=Own goal settles Switzerland success|publisher=UEFA.com|author=Paul Saffer|date=7 May 2008|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/fixturesresults/round=15030/match=302681/report=rp.html|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130105152342/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/under17/fixturesresults/round=15030/match=302681/report=rp.html|dead-url=yes|archive-date=5 January 2013|title=Tafer double ensures France progression|publisher=UEFA.com|author=Yakir Mizrahi|date=10 May 2008|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> In the next two years, Xhaka also featured with [[Switzerland national under-18 football team|under-18]] and the [[Switzerland national under-19 football team|-19]] teams. His [[Switzerland national under-20 football team|Swiss under-20]] debut came on 6 September 2010 in a 2–3 loss to [[Germany national under-20 football team|Germany]] at [[Stadion Breite]]. One year later, Xhaka earned his first [[Switzerland national under-21 football team|under-21]] cap in the 1–0 away win versus [[Georgia national under-21 football team|Georgia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzz.ch/urnnewsmlwwwsda-atsch20111007brz020-1.12887579|title=U-21-Auswahl in Georgien mit Auswärtsieg|trans-title=U21 selection with an away win in Georgia|publisher=Neue Zürcher Zeitung AG|language=German|date=7 October 2011|accessdate=7 October 2011}}</ref> He played his first match as starter in another match versus them which ended in a 5–0 win at [[Cornaredo Stadium]]. Overall, Xhaka played 41 matches for Switzerland youth squads. ===Albania=== ====2013: Changing teams==== In May 2013, Xhaka expressed his wish to represent [[Albania national football team|Albania senior team]], adding that his choice of Albania was definitive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/shqiperia-i-merr-zvicres-nje-xhaka/|title=Shqipëria i merr Zvicrës një Xhaka|trans-title=Albania takes away a Xhaka from Switzerland|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=24 May 2013|accessdate=21 October 2013}}</ref> Later in October, he told the media that his choice to play for Albania was influenced by his younger brother [[Granit Xhaka|Granit]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shqiperia.com/Taulant-Xhaka-Graniti-me-tha-te-zgjidhja-Shqiperine.22470/|title=Taulant Xhaka: Graniti me tha te zgjidhja Shqiperine|trans-title=Taulant Xhaka: Granit told me to choose Albania|publisher=Shqipëria.com|work=Gazeta e Sportit|language=Albanian|date=24 May 2013|accessdate=21 October 2013}}</ref> On 18 December of the same year, he received [[Albanian nationality law|Albanian citizenship]], though he still required approval from FIFA in order to represent Albania internationally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/taulant-xhaka-merr-shtetesi-shqiptare/|title=Taulant Xhaka merr shtetësi shqiptare|trans-title=Taulant Xhaka takes Albanian citizenship|publisher=Gazeta Panorama|language=Albanian|date=19 December 2013|accessdate=21 October 2013}}</ref> ====2014–16: First call-ups, UEFA Euro 2016==== Xhaka received his first call-up by manager [[Gianni De Biasi]] for the friendly against [[Malta national football team|Malta]] on 5 March 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civitas.al/sport/risia-per-malten-taulant-xhaka-vishet-kuqezi|title=Risia per Malten, Taulant Xhaka vishet kuqezi|trans-title=The newness for Malta, Taulant Xhaka wears red&black|publisher=Civitas.al|language=Albanian|date=2 March 2014|accessdate=2 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908092852/http://www.civitas.al/sport/risia-per-malten-taulant-xhaka-vishet-kuqezi|archive-date=8 September 2018|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> but was forced to withdrew due to an injury suffered just three days before the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asport.al/demtohet-xhaka-therritet-arapi/|title=Dëmtohet Xhaka, thërritet Arapi|trans-title=Xhaka injured, Arapi called-up|publisher=asport.al|language=Albanian|date=2 March 2014|accessdate=2 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513053434/http://asport.al/demtohet-xhaka-therritet-arapi/|archive-date=13 May 2016|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He was invited again in May for three friendlies against [[Romania national football team|Romania]], [[Hungary national football team|Hungary]] and [[San Marino national football team|San Marino]] but suffered yet another injury which prolonged his debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asport.al/aliti-dhe-cikalleshi-risite-pritet-prezantimi-i-xhakes-de-biasi-bunjaki-premtojne-bashkepunim/|title=Aliti dhe Cikalleshi risitë, pritet prezantimi i Xhakës...|trans-title=Aliti and Cikalleshi the innovations, Xhaka's presentation is expected...|publisher=asport.al|language=Albanian|date=|accessdate=2 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513064536/http://asport.al/aliti-dhe-cikalleshi-risite-pritet-prezantimi-i-xhakes-de-biasi-bunjaki-premtojne-bashkepunim/|archive-date=13 May 2016|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://asport.al/xhaka-drejt-refuzimit-te-shqiperise/|title=Xhaka drejt refuzimit të Shqipërisë?|trans-title=Xhaka towards refusing Albania?|publisher=asport.al|language=Albanian|date=|accessdate=8 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731104141/http://asport.al/xhaka-drejt-refuzimit-te-shqiperise/|archive-date=31 July 2017|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 25 June, Xhaka received approval from FIFA allowing him to represent Albania in international official matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/fifa-jep-ok-taulant-xhaka-zyrtarisht-kuqezi/|title=FIFA jep “OK”, Taulant Xhaka zyrtarisht kuqezi|trans-title=FIFA gives “OK”, Taulant Xhaka officially red&black|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=25 June 2014|accessdate=21 October 2013}}</ref> Xhaka was fully fit ahead of [[UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying]] campaign where he received a call-up for the opening match against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] on 7 September 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fshf.org/sq/de-biazi-flet-per-ndeshjen-me-portugaline/|title=De Biazi flet për ndeshjen me Portugalinë|trans-title=De Biasi talk for the match with Portugal|publisher=FSHF.org|language=Albanian|date=30 August 2014|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He started the match and played full-90 minutes, producing a great performance and helping Albania to an empathic 1–0 win at [[Estádio Municipal de Aveiro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/55/main/2014/09/07/5090366/portugal-0-1-albania-balaj-stunner-shocks-hosts|title=Portugal 0–1 Albania: Balaj stunner shocks hosts|publisher=Goal.com|date=7 September 2014|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> His performance earned praise from the media, as he was included in the Team of the Week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2014/09/10/5094843/euro-2016-team-of-the-week-lewandowski-and-muller-unstoppable-as-|title=Euro 2016 Team of the Week: Lewandowski and Muller unstoppable as Albania make their mark|publisher=Goal.com|date=10 September 2014|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Later on 14 October, Xhaka playing in the third [[UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group I#Serbia v Albania|qualifying]] match against [[Serbia national football team|Serbia]]; he was heavily involved in the riots that happened during the match, notably taking the flag [[Greater Albania]] along with [[Andi Lila]] from the Serbian player [[Stefan Mitrović (footballer)|Stefan Mitrović]] which started a massive brawl. The match was eventually postponed due to Serbian fans launching flares onto the pitch.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ames|first1=Nick|title=Reflecting on the chaos of Serbia vs. Albania in Belgrade|url=http://www.espnfc.com/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2089836/euro-2016-making-sense-of-the-chaos-between-serbia-albania-in-belgrade|accessdate=22 October 2014|issue=ESPN|publisher=ESPN|date=15 October 2014}}</ref> He along with other Albanian players where attacked by Serbian hooligans who came onto the pitch with chairs and other objects. Initially, [[UEFA]] awarded Serbia with a 3–0 win, but were deducted three points, leading both Serbia and Albania appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,<ref>{{cite news|title=The football associations of Albania and Serbia file appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)|url=http://www.tas-cas.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Media_Release_3874_3875__2_.pdf|publisher=[[Court of Arbitration for Sport]]|accessdate=8 January 2015}}</ref> who on 10 July 2015, awarded Albania with a 3–0 victory and Serbia were still deducted three points.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tas-cas.org/en/general-information/news-detail/article/football-the-cas-rejects-the-appeal-filed-by-the-serbian-fa-upholds-in-part-the-appeal-filed-by-the-albanian-fa-the-match-serbia-albania-is-deemed-to-have-been-forfeited-by-serbia-0-3.html |title=FOOTBALL: The CAS rejects the appeal filed by the Serbian FA, upholds in part the appeal filed by the Albanian FA: the match Serbia-Albania is deemed to have been forfeited by Serbia (0–3) |publisher=Tribunal Arbitral du Sport / Court of Arbitration for Sport |date=10 July 2015 |accessdate=10 July 2015}}</ref> Days after the match, he along with [[Lorik Cana]] were declared citizens of honour from the mayor of the city of [[Mitrovica, Kosovo|Mitrovica]], Kosovo, for the bravery shown in protecting national symbols.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://koha.net/?id=9&l=29960|title=Bahtiri shpall Xhaken e Canen qytetare nderi te Mitrovices|trans-title=Bahtiri declare Xhaka and Cana honorary citizens of Mitrovica|publisher=koha.net|language=Albanian|date=19 October 2014|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> [[File:AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004).jpg|thumb|right|220px|Xhaka lining up with Albania in 2016.]] Albania eventually made their way to their [[UEFA European Championship]] appearanc after defeating [[Armenia national football team|Armenia]] 3–0 in the last match in which played full-90 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3268784/Jubilant-Albania-defy-odds-reach-maiden-European-Championship.html|title=Jubilant Albania defy the odds to reach a maiden European Championship|publisher=Daily Mail|date=11 October 2015|accessdate=12 October 2015}}</ref> On 21 May 2016, Xhaka was named in Albania's preliminary 27-man squad for the final stages of [[UEFA Euro 2016|Euro 2016]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/news/newsid=2366548.html|title=De Biasi leaves out Albanian top scorer Salihi|publisher=UEFA|author=Fatjon Pandovski|date=21 May 2016|accessdate=30 May 2016}}</ref> and in Albania's final 23-man Euro 2016 squad, announced on 31 May.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://euro.fshf.org/de-biasi-shpall-listen-zyrtare-te-euro-2016/|title=De Biasi shpall listën zyrtare të Euro 2016|trans-title=De Biasi names the official list of Euro 2016|publisher=FSHF.org|date=31 May 2016|accessdate=31 May 2016}}</ref> In Albania's opening match, against Switzerland, Xhaka competed against his brother Granit, becoming the first pair of brothers to play against each other in the entire UEFA European Championship history. At that day, their mother watched from the crowd with a T-shirt combining both nations' flags. Switzerland defeated Albania 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/10/euro-2016-brothers-granit-and-taulant-xhaka-line-up-for-opposing/|title=Euro 2016: Brothers Granit and Taulant Xhaka line up for opposing countries in tale of entwining nationalities|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk|author=Jonathan Liew|date=10 June 2016|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> In the second match against hosts [[France national football team|France]], Xhaka played in the final 16 minutes as a replacement for [[Burim Kukeli]] as Albania lost 2–0 with both goals conceded in the last minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/france-2-0-albania-late-8044893|title=France 2–0 Albania: Late double breaks Albanian hearts – 5 things we learned|publisher=Mirror.co.uk|author=Ed Maylon|date=16 June 2016|accessdate=9 October 2016}}</ref> He did not play in the last group match against [[Romania national football team|Romania]] in which Albania won 1–0 thanks to a header by [[Armando Sadiku]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/06/19/albania-vs-romania-euro-2016---live/|title=Euro 2016: Romania 0 Albania 1 – Armando Sadiku scores the only goal to seal his country's first ever win at a major competition|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk|author=Richard Amofa|date=19 June 2016|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> It was Albania's first win over Romania since 1948.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.11v11.com/teams/albania/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Romania/|title=Albania national football team: record v Romania|publisher=11v11.com|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Albania finished the group in the third position with three points and with a goal difference −2, and was ranked last in the third-placed teams, which eventually eliminated them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/albania-out-euro-2016-after-portugal-draw-hungary|title=Albania out of Euro 2016 after Portugal draw with Hungary|publisher=Fourfourtwo.com|date=22 June 2016|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> ====2017–present: Controversies and UEFA Nations League==== Xhaka played only four matches in the [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]] in which Albania was placed in [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group G|Group G]], finishing in third place which was still a record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/10/09/39283102/albania-0-italy-1-candreva-just-ace-for-ventura-as-azzurri|title=Albania 0 Italy 1: Candreva just ace for Ventura as Azzurri bounce back|publisher=Goal.com|author=Rob Lancaster|date=9 October 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> In March 2017, following the 2–0 away loss to [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in which Xhaka didn't play, he left the team and ahead of the friendly against [[Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]], announcing via a Facebook status that he would not be part of the team while Gianni De Biasi remains in charge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top-channel.tv/2017/03/26/ekskluzive-xhaka-le-kombetaren-i-zhgenjyer-nga-de-biasi/|title=Ekskluzive/ Xhaka lë Kombëtaren: I zhgënjyer nga De Biasi|trans-title=Exclusive/ Xhaka leaves the national team: Disappointed from De Biasi|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=26 March 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He also threw several accusations towards the coach in the next weeks, saying that De Biasi is Italian, and that his interest are only the money, not the national team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gazetablic.com/deklarate-bombe-e-xhakes-de-biasi-eshte-italian-nuk-ka-gjak-shqiptari/|title=Deklaratë “bombë” e Xhakës: De Biasi është italian, nuk ka gjak shqiptari|trans-title=The “bomb” statement of Xhaka: De Biasi is Italian, doesn't have Albanian blood|publisher=Gazeta Blic|language=Albanian|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazetatema.net/2017/06/02/taulant-xhaka-thumbon-teknikun-de-biasi/|title=Taulant Xhaka thumbon teknikun De Biasi|trans-title=Taulant Xhaka stings the coach De Biasi|publisher=Gazeta Tema|language=Albanian|date=2 June 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lajmifundit.al/2017/03/taulant-xhaka-de-biasi/|title=Taulant Xhaka del hapur: Mua më dhimbset kombëtarja, De Biasit lekët|trans-title=Taulant Xhaka: I'm worried for the national team, while De Biasi for the money|publisher=lajmifundit.al|language=Albanian|date=2 June 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> De Biasi told the media that he is willing to call Xhaka to the national team again if he asks for public forgiveness,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gazetablic.com/taulant-xhaka-ne-kombetare-vetem-nese-kerkon-falje-publike/|title=Taulant Xhaka në kombëtare vetëm nëse kërkon falje publike|trans-title=Taulant Xhaka in the national team only if he asks for public forgiveness|publisher=Gazeta Blic|language=Albanian|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> a request which Xhaka refused.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telegrafi.com/xhaka-nuk-deshiron-ti-kerkoje-falje-de-biasit/|title=Xhaka nuk dëshiron t’i kërkojë falje De Biasit|trans-title=Xhaka doesn't want to aks forgiveness to De Biasi|publisher=Telegrafi.com|language=Albanian|date=4 June 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> De Biasi left Albania in June 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-italia.net/104119/de-biasi-leaves-albania|title=De Biasi leaves Albania|publisher=Football Italia|date=14 June 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> and was replaced by fellow countryman [[Cristian Panucci]], who in August left Xhaka out again for the next qualifying matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sot.com.al/sport/panu%C3%A7i-zbardh-list%C3%ABn-e-kuqezinjve-taulant-xhaka-p%C3%ABrjashtohet-nga-komb%C3%ABtarja|title=Panuçi zbardh listën e kuqezinjve, Taulant Xhaka përjashtohet nga kombëtarja|trans-title=Panucci unvelis the list of red&blacks, Taulant Xhaka exlucded from the national team|publisher=Sot.com.al|language=Albanian|date=26 August 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He returned to the national team in October 2017 for the final two qualifying matches against [[Spain national football team|Spain]] and [[Italy national football team|Italy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gazetablic.com/taulant-xhaka-rikthehet-ne-kombetare/|title=Taulant Xhaka rikthehet në kombëtare |trans-title=Taulant Xhaka returns to the national team|publisher=Gazeta Blic|language=Albanian|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> He played his first match in 11 months against Spain which ended in a 3–0 away loss.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41500230|title=Spain 3–0 Albania|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 October 2017|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> Xhaka scored his first international goal in his 22nd appearance in Albania's first ever match in [[UEFA Nations League]] against [[Israel national football team|Israel]], netting with a right shot outside the penalty area in the second half. His goal gave Albania a 1–0 win at [[Elbasan Arena]] and the first three points in [[2018–19 UEFA Nations League C]]'s [[2018–19 UEFA Nations League C#Group 1|Group 1]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7193723/albania-vs-israel-live-score-latest-updates/|title=NATIONS LEAGUE LIVE Albania 1–0 Israel RESULT: Full-time as Albania make perfect start to Uefa Nations League campaign|publisher=The Sun|date=7 September 2018|accessdate=8 September 2018}}</ref> ==Personal life== On 7 January 2018, Xhaka was engaged to his long-time Albanian girlfriend, Arbnora Nuredini; they married that year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/i-dha-fund-beqarise-xhaka-ja-si-me-zbuti-arbnora-e-vetmja-qe-me-ka-dribluar/|title=I dha fund beqarisë, Xhaka: Ja si më “zbuti” Arbnora, e vetmja që më ka dribluar|trans-title=Has ended celibacy, Xhaka: Here's how Arbnora "softened" me, the only one that has dribbled me on|publisher=[[Panorama Sport]]|language=Albanian|date=8 January 2018|accessdate=8 January 2018}}</ref> ==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|17 April 2018}}<ref name="Soccerway">{{Soccerway|taulant-xhaka/134236|accessdate=17 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="T.Xhaka NFT">{{NFT player|id=56971|accessdate=8 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{UEFA player|1905362}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.footballdatabase.eu/football.joueurs.taulant.xhaka.111881.en.html|title=Football : Taulant Xhaka|publisher=Football Database|date=12 June 2016|accessdate=12 June 2016}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan=2|Club !rowspan=2|Season !colspan=3|League !colspan=2|Cup !colspan=2|[[UEFA|Europe]]<ref group="lower-alpha">Including continental competitions, such as [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[UEFA Europa League]]</ref> !colspan=2|Other<ref group="lower-alpha">Including other competitions, such as [[Swiss Super Cup]]</ref> !colspan=2|Total |- !Division||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals||Apps||Goals |- |rowspan=4|[[FC Basel#Reserve team (under-21)|Basel U21]] |[[2008–09 1. Liga Promotion|2008–09]] |rowspan=3|[[1. Liga Promotion]] |11||1||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||11||1 |- |[[2009–10 1. Liga Promotion|2009–10]] |23||2||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||23||2 |- |[[2010–11 1. Liga Promotion|2010–11]] |16||3||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||16||3 |- !colspan=2|Total !50!!6!!colspan=2|—!!colspan=2|—!!colspan=2|—!!50||6 |- |rowspan=3|[[Grasshopper Club Zürich|Grasshopper]] |[[2011–12 Swiss Super League|2011–12]] |rowspan=2|[[Swiss Super League]] |13||0||1||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||14||0 |- |[[2012–13 Swiss Super League|2012–13]] |25||0||4||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||29||0 |- !colspan=2|Total !38!!0!!5!!0!!colspan=2|—!!colspan=2|—!!43||0 |- |rowspan=8|[[FC Basel|Basel]] |[[2010–11 Swiss Super League|2010–11]] |rowspan=7|[[Swiss Super League]] |6||0||3||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||9||0 |- |[[2011–12 Swiss Super League|2011–12]] |5||0||2||0||2<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL">All appearance(s) in [[UEFA Champions League]]</ref>||0||colspan=2|—||9||0 |- |[[2013–14 Swiss Super League|2013–14]] |23||2||4||0||15<ref group="lower-alpha">Ten appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]], five in [[UEFA Europa League]]</ref>||0||colspan=2|—||42||2 |- |[[2014–15 Swiss Super League|2014–15]] |29||1||4||0||7<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL"/>||0||colspan=2|—||40||1 |- |[[2015–16 Swiss Super League|2015–16]] |24||0||1||0||12<ref group="lower-alpha">Two appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]], ten in [[UEFA Europa League]]</ref>||0||colspan=2|—||37||0 |- |[[2016–17 Swiss Super League|2016–17]] |30||0||2||0||6<ref group="lower-alpha" name="UCL"/>||0||colspan=2|—||38||0 |- |[[2017–18 Swiss Super League|2017–18]] |23||1||4||1||6||1||colspan=2|—||33||3 |- !colspan=2|Total !140!!4!!20!!1!!48!!1!!colspan=2|—!!218!!6 |- !colspan=3|Career total !228!!10!!25!!1!!48!!1!!colspan=2|—!!301!!12 |} {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} ===International=== {{updated|7 September 2018}}<ref name="T.Xhaka NFT" /><ref>[http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=28806 Taulant Xhaka – national football team player] EU-football.info</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !National team||Year||Apps||Goals |- |rowspan=5|[[Albania national football team|Albania]] |2014||3||0 |- |2015||7||0 |- |2016||8||0 |- |2017||2||0 |- |2018||2||1 |- !colspan=2|Total||22||1 |} <!-- ====International goals==== :''Scores and results list (his national team)'s goal tally first.'' {|class="wikitable" |- !Goal||Date||Venue||Opponent||Score||Result||Competition |- | 1 || date || stadium, place, country || {{fb|national code}} || align=center | '''1'''–0 || align=center | 1–0 || competition |- | 2 || rowspan=2 | date || rowspan=2 | STADIUM || rowspan=2 | {{fb|national code}} || align=center | '''1'''–0 || rowspan=2 style="text-align:center"| 2–0 || rowspan=2 | competition |- | 3 || align=center | '''2'''–0 |} --> ===International goals=== :''Scores and results list Albania's goal tally first.''<ref name="NFT">{{cite web|url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/60276/Ananta_Tamang.html|title=Tamang, Ananta|publisher=National Football Teams|accessdate=7 September 2018}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;" ! No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition |- | 1. || 7 September 2018 || [[Elbasan Arena]], [[Elbasan]], Albania || {{fb|ISR}} || align=center | '''1'''–0 || align=center | 1–0 || [[2018–19 UEFA Nations League C]] |} ==Honours== '''Basel'''<ref name="Soccerway" /> * [[Swiss Super League]]: [[2010–11 Swiss Super League|2010–11]], [[2013–14 Swiss Super League|2013–14]], [[2014–15 Swiss Super League|2014–15]], [[2015–16 Swiss Super League|2015–16]], [[2016–17 Swiss Super League|2016–17]] * [[Swiss Cup]]: [[2016–17 Swiss Cup|2016–17]] '''Grasshopper'''<ref name="Soccerway" /> * [[Swiss Cup]]: [[2012–13 Swiss Cup|2012–13]] '''Basel U18''' * U18 Swiss Cup: 2007–08<ref name="fcb 2008-06-15">{{cite web | last = FC Basel 1893 | year = 2008 | url = http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/-/20378/27/7/7 | title = Zwei weitere Nachwuchstitel für den FCB | publisher = FC Basel 1893 | accessdate = 15 June 2008 | language = de | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040536/http://www.fcb.ch/news/show/byItemID/de-de/-/20378/27/7/7 | archive-date = 6 January 2014 | dead-url = yes | df = dmy-all }}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== {{Commons Category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044512/http://www.fshf.org/garat/components/lojtar.php?player_id=301307 FSHF profile] * {{NFT player|id=56971}} * {{UEFA player|1905362}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110811060901/http://www.fcb.ch/sport/show/playerDetailByID/-/30167/72/9/36/-/-/25328 FC Basel official profile] {{de icon}} * [http://www.sfl.ch/superleague/klubs/fc-basel-1893/player/taulant-xhaka/season/201617/ Profile season 2016/17 on the Swiss Football League homepage] {{de icon}} {{FC Basel Squad}} {{Albania squad UEFA Euro 2016}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Xhaka, Taulant}} [[Category:1991 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Basel-Stadt]] [[Category:Association football defenders]] [[Category:Association football midfielders]] [[Category:Swiss footballers]] [[Category:Albanian footballers]] [[Category:Swiss Super League players]] [[Category:FC Basel players]] [[Category:Grasshopper Club Zürich players]] [[Category:Albania international footballers]] [[Category:Switzerland youth international footballers]] [[Category:Switzerland under-21 international footballers]] [[Category:Swiss people of Kosovan descent]] [[Category:Swiss people of Albanian descent]] [[Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players]]'