Xherdan Shaqiri (Albanian); born 10 October 1991) is a Swiss footballer who plays as amidfielder for Italian club Inter Milan, and the Swiss national team. Since his breakthrough into FC Basel's first team, Shaqiri has drawn widespread praise for his speed, both on and off the ball.[3]
FIFA's official website describes Shaqiri as "unpredictable on the ball, adept with both feet, clinical in front of goal and [possessing] excellent vision".[4] He is nicknamed "the Alpine Messi"[4] and "the magic dwarf".[5] Shaqiri is the most decorated Swiss player of all time and is considered one of the best of his generation
EARLY LIFE!
Shaqiri was born in Gjilan, to Albanian Kosovar parents.[4][7] He emigrated to Switzerland in 1992 with his parents and three siblings.[8] He has dual nationality: Swiss and Albanian.[9] He acquired Swiss citizenship through naturalisation.
INTERNATIONAL CARRER
Shaqiri made his debut for the Switzerland under-21 side on 11 November 2009 in a 3–1 win against the Turkey under-21 side in a 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier. He scored his first goal on 11 June 2011 in the 2011 Under-21 Championshipopening game against the Denmark under-21 side.
In 2010, Shaqiri was promoted to the senior team, making his debut on 3 March 2010 in a 1–3 friendly loss against Uruguay. He was included in the 2010 World Cup squad, after receiving a surprise call-up from manager Ottmar Hitzfeld. On 7 September 2010, Shaqiri scored his first goal, a long range left footed shot, in a 1–3 loss against England in a Euro 2012 qualifier. In another Euro 2012 qualifier, on 6 September 2011, he netted a hat-trick, as Switzerland came from behind to defeat Bulgaria by a score of 3–1.[29]
Switzerland also tried to select him to participate in the 2012 Olympic Football tournament, but he opted to stay at his new club for pre-season training.[30]
In June 2014, Shaqiri was named in Switzerland's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In the team's opening match, Shaqiri was named man of the match by FIFA as the Nati defeated Ecuador.[31] He earned the same title a mere ten days later in the Swiss team's third and final Group match, scoring a hat-trick against Honduras to ensure Switzerland a spot in the Round of 16,[32] where they lost to Argentina.
FIFA's official website describes Shaqiri as "unpredictable on the ball, adept with both feet, clinical in front of goal and [possessing] excellent vision".[4] He is nicknamed "the Alpine Messi"[4] and "the magic dwarf".[5] Shaqiri is the most decorated Swiss player of all time and is considered one of the best of his generation
EARLY LIFE!
Shaqiri was born in Gjilan, to Albanian Kosovar parents.[4][7] He emigrated to Switzerland in 1992 with his parents and three siblings.[8] He has dual nationality: Swiss and Albanian.[9] He acquired Swiss citizenship through naturalisation.
INTERNATIONAL CARRER
Shaqiri made his debut for the Switzerland under-21 side on 11 November 2009 in a 3–1 win against the Turkey under-21 side in a 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier. He scored his first goal on 11 June 2011 in the 2011 Under-21 Championshipopening game against the Denmark under-21 side.
In 2010, Shaqiri was promoted to the senior team, making his debut on 3 March 2010 in a 1–3 friendly loss against Uruguay. He was included in the 2010 World Cup squad, after receiving a surprise call-up from manager Ottmar Hitzfeld. On 7 September 2010, Shaqiri scored his first goal, a long range left footed shot, in a 1–3 loss against England in a Euro 2012 qualifier. In another Euro 2012 qualifier, on 6 September 2011, he netted a hat-trick, as Switzerland came from behind to defeat Bulgaria by a score of 3–1.[29]
Switzerland also tried to select him to participate in the 2012 Olympic Football tournament, but he opted to stay at his new club for pre-season training.[30]
In June 2014, Shaqiri was named in Switzerland's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In the team's opening match, Shaqiri was named man of the match by FIFA as the Nati defeated Ecuador.[31] He earned the same title a mere ten days later in the Swiss team's third and final Group match, scoring a hat-trick against Honduras to ensure Switzerland a spot in the Round of 16,[32] where they lost to Argentina.
