Granit Xhaka, the most influential athlete in Switzerland

Granit Xhaka is the most influential person in Swiss sport, chosen by the Swiss portal 'Watson.ch'.

"These are the 50 most powerful people in Swiss sport" is the title of the article, with Xhaka at the top, as the most influential athlete in Swiss sport.

"Xhaka, in addition to showing himself playing, with his character and work in 2018, he has been decisive with the humane behavior in Swiss football", says the article of the Watson portal, also mentioning the reasons for this choice.

In the article, the main reason is the Switzerland-Serbia match in the World Cup in Russia, and the moment when Xhaka scores the equalizing goal, celebrating with the eagle symbol, reports KTV.

"Shaqiri and Lichtsteiner also did this action later, but with consequences only Xhaka was taken, which opened a big debate. The true meaning of the Double-headed Eagle is unknown, whether it was intended politically or as a form of joy. But the truth is that Xhaka shakes Swiss football", it is further said there.

According to the Swiss portal, after this moment the whole of Switzerland was involved in a debate about dual citizenship in the country, also instigated by the general secretary of the Swiss Football Federation, Miescher. The latter resigned after statements about the declaration of Swiss football players for only one citizenship.

The selector of Switzerland, Petkovic, was also in danger, but Xhaka saved him by being among the main players in the League of Nations.

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"The influence of Granit Xhaka on Swiss sport is indisputable. Perhaps he has taught the world a little lesson as well. Since the symbol of the eagle, or in the Swiss language 'Doppeladler', in the Football World Cup, hardly anyone will seriously claim that sport has nothing to do with politics" concludes the finding and reasoning for Xhaka, the Watson portal.

Among the 50 most powerful athletes in Switzerland, there is also Xherdan Shaqiri, who is rated 14th, while in this list there is also Shaqiri's brother, Erdin, in 24th place, who is rated as Xherdan's successful manager for the transfer to Liverpool, but also of the Swiss talents.

In this list of the 50 most powerful Swiss sports people, there are well-known names, including politicians.