Granit Xhaka has been named as the most influential sports personality in Switzerland, beating out FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Roger Federer.

He has been awarded the honour for causing an ‘earthquake’ in Swiss sports with his double-headed eagle celebration for his country against Serbia at the World Cup, an action that caused a ton of controversy that we covered in-depth at the time.

It is the first time Xhaka has picked up the award, handed out by the daily newspaper Aargauer Zeitung, and he wasn’t even listed in the top 50 last year.

AZ write; “This shows that Xhaka has become the dominant voice in Swiss football. He does not just dictate the direction on the field. But also off it. And that will stay that way. Xhaka is only 26-years-old but has already completed 72 international matches. For the time being, he has worked his way up to the designated new Captain of the Swiss Nati. 

“Lichtsteiner is in the autumn of his career, Xhaka is the Spiritus Rector of the team predestined for the highest leadership role.

“Thus, the defensive midfielder will continue to cement his position as the most influential man in the main Swiss public sport. 

“Rightly. Xhaka embodies the successful integration of Secondos in football like no other. 

“In addition, he has a picture-book career behind him in club football (Basel, Mönchengladbach, Arsenal). 

“He serves as a role model for every junior. More than any other Swiss footballer.”

So there.