Taulant Xhaka bids farewell: Albanian national team midfielder retires from professional football

One of Albania’s best known national team footballers, Taulant Xhaka, has officially retired from professional football after a career that spanned over a decade, almost entirely with Swiss club FC Basel.

Why is this important: Xhaka’s retirement marks the end of an era for both FC Basel and the Albanian national team. As one of the most consistent and passionate players to wear the red and black, his contribution on and off the field helped shape modern Albanian football. For Basel fans, he is a symbol of loyalty and grit — a player who gave everything to the club and lifted six league titles.

Context: The 34-year-old midfielder played his final match last Saturday against Luzern, wearing the captain’s armband and being substituted in the 34th minute — a nod to his jersey number. The stadium erupted in tribute, with fans unveiling a choreography that celebrated the most memorable moments of his career. His brother, Granit Xhaka, was also in attendance for the emotional farewell.

Xhaka began his football journey at the age of six with FC Concordia before joining Basel’s youth academy. He made his first-team debut in 2010, and went on to make more than 400 official appearances for Basel, scoring 5 goals and providing 30 assists.

He was twice crowned Swiss Cup champion and played a key role in some of Basel’s most successful seasons, including their Champions League campaign, where UEFA once named him among the five most promising talents of the competition.

International career: Xhaka earned 31 caps for the Albanian national team between 2014 and 2019, scoring once. He was a key part of the squad that qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 — the country’s first-ever appearance at a major tournament.

Legacy: Throughout his club career, Xhaka won the Swiss Super League six times — five with Basel (2010–11, 2013–14, and more) and once with Grasshoppers (2012–13). He also lifted the Uhren Cup in 2011 and 2013, and was a symbol of leadership and consistency throughout.

In his final season, he played 13 matches, sharing the pitch once again with fellow Albanian international Xherdan Shaqiri.

Taulant Xhaka’s retirement leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to replicate. Not just because of his accolades, but because of the unshakable commitment he showed to his team, his fans, and his country.