Xherdan Shaqiri: Switzerland career in numbers

One of the most technically-gifted playmakers of his generation has been the Swiss attacking midfielder.

Xherdan Shaqiri ended his international football career following Switzerland’s exit from Euro 2024. Dark-horses Switzerland lost to eventual finalists England in the quarter-finals, 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the match finished 1-1 at the Merkur Spiel Arena in Düsseldorf.

The game was a closely-contested affair. Forward Breel Embolo gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in the second half. It was cancelled out by Bukayo Saka of England to take proceedings into extra-time. After extra-time failed to find a winner, Switzerland ultimately crumbled during the penalty shootout as England emerged 5-3 winners.

This quarter-final defeat ended Switzerland’s incredible run in the tournament and also brought Xherdan Shaqiri’s international career to a close.

Shaqiri managed to make just two appearances at his last international competition for Switzerland. Despite his limited game-time, he scored an absolute screamer against Scotland during the second group game in trademark Xherdan Shaqiri fashion.

Ever since his debut for Switzerland in 2010, Xherdan Shaqiri enjoyed an incredible international career, scoring an impressive 32 goals in 125 caps. He is the second-most capped player in the nation’s history, only behind current captain Granit Xhaka on the list. With 32 goals in total, Shaqiri is also his country’s fourth-highest all-time goalscorer. He made his international debut in Switzerland’s 3-1 defeat to Uruguay during a 2010 friendly match.

During his international career, Shaqiri unfortunately didn’t manage to win a title with Switzerland. However, he stole the show at several major tournaments with his unbelievable long-range strikes and ability to create something special out of nothing.

Shaqiri produced countless memorable moments in a Switzerland shirt, including scoring hat-tricks against Honduras in 2014 and Bulgaria in 2018. The 32-year-old attacking midfielder also holds the record for scoring at each of the last three World Cups and European Championships, he participated in with his country. Owing to his world-class performances, he was twice awarded the Swiss Footballer of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

Throughout his international career, Shaqiri participated at four World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022), scoring five goals in total. He also participated at three European Championships (2016, 2021 and 2024), bagging five goals in total here as well.

Xherdan Shaqiri possessed a unique skill-set of top-notch creativity, incredible shooting, accuracy and exceptional dribbling skills that made him a valuable asset for Switzerland. With his retirement from international football, Shaqiri’s eye-catching ability to create magical moments on the pitch will undoubtedly be missed by global football fans.

Xherdan Shaqiri: Switzerland career in numbers

Total Games: 125

Goals: 32

Assists: 34

Swiss Footballer of the Year: 2 (2011, 2012)

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.