Granit Xhaka Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings
Granit Xhaka is widely known for his performances in midfield and his leadership on the pitch, but just as important to his story are the foundations of his personal life. His family and heritage—rooted in Kosovo and Switzerland—play a key role in shaping who he is both as a person and a professional. In this article we explore Granit Xhaka’s partner, his children, his parents’ journey, his siblings, and the values that make his family such a core part of his identity.
Partner and Children
Granit Xhaka’s partner is Leonita Lekaj, whom he married in July 2017 after they had been together since about 2015. Their shared roots in the Albanian/Kosovan diaspora connected them early on, and Leonita moved from her upbringing in Albania/Kosovo to Germany, where the couple’s relationship grew. As of 2025 the couple have welcomed three daughters: their first daughter Ayana was born in 2019, their second daughter Laneya arrived in April 2021, and in March 2025 they announced the birth of their third daughter, Neyana. Their growing family is often mentioned by Xhaka as a source of strength and grounding amid professional demands.
Parents and Heritage
Granit Xhaka was born on September 27, 1992 in Basel, Switzerland, into a family of Albanian-Kosovan origin that migrated to Switzerland around 1990. His father is Ragip Xhaka (sometimes spelled Agip) and his mother is Elmaze Xhaka. His father’s background includes imprisonment in former Yugoslavia for political demonstration, a part of the family history that Xhaka has cited as informing his character and resilience. The family’s migration to Basel set the stage for both Granit and his brother to pursue football careers, and his parents remain central in his narrative of humility and hard work.
Siblings and Family Dynamics
Granit Xhaka has an older brother, Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer and who chose a different national allegiance to Granit (Taulant representing Albania while Granit represents Switzerland). The two brothers famously faced each other during Euro 2016 in a Switzerland vs Albania match, marking a rare sibling contest at international level. There is also mention of a sister, Agnesa Xhaka, though less publicly profiled. The sibling connection and friendly rivalry have been themes in Granit’s career, highlighting his family’s shared football culture.
Family Values and Personal Impact
The story of Granit Xhaka’s family is one of migration, perseverance and shared ambition. From his father’s sacrifice and his parents’ relocation, to the dual national identities of himself and his brother, the Xhaka family dynamic is infused with meaning beyond football. Granit has repeatedly attributed his mental toughness, leadership qualities and value of loyalty to the lessons he learned at home. His family life—partner, children, parents and siblings—serves as both refuge and motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Granit Xhaka’s wife?
Granit Xhaka is married to Leonita Lekaj; they married in 2017 and have been together since approximately 2015.
How many children does Granit Xhaka have?
As of 2025, Granit Xhaka and his partner Leonita have three daughters—Ayana (born 2019), Laneya (born 2021), and Neyana (born 2025).
What are the names of Granit Xhaka’s parents?
His father is Ragip (or Agip) Xhaka and his mother is Elmaze Xhaka. Both are of Albanian/Kosovan origin and moved to Switzerland in the early 1990s.
Does Granit Xhaka have siblings?
Yes, he has an older brother Taulant Xhaka, who is also a professional footballer. He also has a sister Agnesa Xhaka.
Where was Granit Xhaka born and raised?
Granit Xhaka was born in Basel, Switzerland on September 27, 1992. His family background is Albanian/Kosovan and they emigrated to Switzerland around 1990.
