Granit Xhaka has had an extraordinary year, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal with Bayer Leverkusen while leading the Swiss national team to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The 32-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s historic season, scoring the decisive goal in the cup final. Despite a setback in the Europa League, Xhaka’s leadership shone through, particularly during the intense match against England at the Euros. His exceptional contributions have earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, solidifying his status as a top player.