Granit Xhaka has taken a well-deserved break this winter season, and along with a fresh new look, he’s soaking up the festive vibes with his family.
The Swiss midfielder, now starring for Bayer Leverkusen, is making the most of the off-season by hitting the slopes and showing off a new, clean-cut hairstyle.
Xhaka Continues to Shine with Bayer Leverkusen
Xhaka has been a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen this season, playing an important role in the team’s strong performance under manager Xabi Alonso.
The German side, who had an unforgettable 51-match unbeaten streak last season, have been impressive this year as well.
They currently sit just four points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and are performing well in the Champions League, securing 13 points from six matches.
At 32 years old, Xhaka is enjoying a resurgence in his career.
He’s already played 25 matches across all competitions this season, contributing five assists and continuing to dominate the midfield.
His influence on the pitch remains crucial for Leverkusen’s ambitions this year.
Family Time and a Fresh Start for Xhaka
This festive season, Xhaka decided to shake things up a bit and debut a new look, which he revealed in a heartwarming Instagram post.
While his on-field performances have been strong, it’s his off-field appearance that has captured attention this time.
In the post, Xhaka is pictured enjoying a family holiday in the snow with his wife Leonita Lekaj and their two young children.
Sporting a freshly shaved head, his new look is a far cry from his previous long, flowing locks.
The family is seen in matching outfits, sitting on a thick blanket of snow, radiating joy and togetherness.
Another picture shows Xhaka walking with one child in his arms and the other by the hand, showing off the clean shave at the back of his head.
The post, shared on December 28, was captioned “Family Time is the Best Time,” highlighting the midfielder’s focus on family and relaxation during the break.
Xhaka’s Leadership and Expectations for Bayer Leverkusen
Xhaka’s leadership qualities have been evident throughout the season, and earlier this year, he sparked a fiery response from his teammates after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Wolfsburg.
In an intense interview, the former Arsenal captain demanded honesty and self-reflection from his squad, expressing his frustration with their defensive lapses.
He criticized the team for conceding goals too easily, saying, “We don’t need to talk about injury time here…
This is not enough! A top team doesn’t concede three goals in 45 minutes!” His candid remarks showed that Xhaka isn’t afraid to push his teammates to reach their full potential.
Looking Ahead to the Next Match
Xhaka and his teammates will return to action on January 10, when they face Borussia Dortmund.
This match will mark a long-awaited return after a five-and-a-half-week break, which began with their thrilling 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal.
While he’s enjoying his downtime, Xhaka’s leadership and dedication to his team remain unwavering, and fans can expect him to be ready to continue his strong performances when Bayer Leverkusen returns to action.