Alious
Granit Xhaka has experienced almost everything elite football can offer. Title races, Champions League nights, and some of Europe’s fiercest rivalries have shaped his career. Yet even against that backdrop, Sunderland’s long-awaited Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle United stands out as a moment that truly resonated with the Black Cats captain.
Speaking openly after the win, Xhaka reflected on what his first derby on Wearside meant to him, the bond he has already forged with the club and its supporters, and why the challenge of Sunderland convinced him to walk away from a Champions League side for a newly promoted team.
Despite his calm appearance after full-time, Xhaka admitted the emotion ran deep. Inside, he was full of joy, even if he viewed the result with a professional mindset. For him, it was a special occasion and a special rivalry, but ultimately one that still had to be approached with balance. Sunderland did the job, earned the points, and deserved the victory.
What made the occasion truly unique, he explained, was the context. The Wear-Tyne derby had been absent from the Premier League for years, and this was not only its return, but also his first taste of it in Sunderland colours. Throughout the week, the sense of occasion built steadily. The history of the rivalry was everywhere, from old clips circulating online to the intensity around the city. To be part of that moment, at home, just before Christmas, and to reward the fans with a win, was something he described as a genuine privilege.
The pressure of the occasion was unmistakable. Playing at the Stadium of Light brought an added weight of expectation, especially with players in the squad who still remembered painful derby defeats from previous seasons. For Xhaka, the emotional stakes were high. He has featured in countless derbies across his career, but this one carried a different energy. The week itself felt special, and when the decisive goal went in, the release was instant. Seeing the reaction in the stands, the joy on supporters’ faces, was a moment he said stayed with him — raw emotion that only football can produce.
Xhaka believes that connection runs deeper than just one match. He feels a strong personal bond with Sunderland as a city, describing it as a place with modest roots but enormous heart. It reminds him of his own upbringing and the struggles he experienced growing up. From his very first days at the club, he sensed that link between himself, the supporters and the city. For him, that is what every footballer dreams of — a place where you feel understood and valued. His aim now is simple: to give something back every day, so that this group is remembered for standing together and achieving something meaningful.
That sense of belief was also central to his decision to join the club in the first place. Xhaka revealed that his choice was made quickly after conversations with the owner, the sporting director and the head coach. While many questioned why he would leave a title-winning, Champions League environment for a promoted side, he saw it differently. He thrives on challenges, and in Sunderland he saw the biggest test of his career. The positive energy, ambition and unity around the project convinced him that this was where he wanted to be — and where he could make a difference.
As for Sunderland’s ambitions this season, Xhaka insists nothing has changed. The squad remains focused on taking each game as it comes, without getting distracted by the league table. Inside the dressing room, there is no talk of positions or predictions. The belief is that their current standing has been earned through hard work, but with plenty of games still to play, the focus must remain on consistency, effort and trust in the process.
On a personal level, Xhaka sees his role as one of guidance and stability. He brings experience and quality, but he is clear that football is a collective effort. Success depends on the bond between players, coaches and staff. Although many within the squad arrived recently, that connection formed quickly — something he believes is vital for surviving and competing in the Premier League.
His physical output this season has been remarkable, covering more ground than any other player in the league. Xhaka credits that to preparation and professionalism. He knew before signing that the Premier League demands total commitment — physically and mentally. Fitness, recovery, nutrition and mindset all play their part, and so far, everything has come together.
Looking beyond club football, Xhaka also shared his excitement about the 2026 World Cup. With an expanded format and matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada, he believes the tournament will have its own unique story. Having already experienced America on the international stage, he is eager for what lies ahead and hopeful his national team can make it a memorable campaign.
For now, though, his focus remains firmly on Wearside — a place he now calls home, a challenge he fully embraces, and a club he feels privileged to lead.
Alious
