Xherdan Shaqiri is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire and the Switzerland national team. Born on October 10, 1991, in Gnjilane, SR Serbia, SFR Yugoslavia (now Gjilan, Kosovo), Shaqiri has had a distinguished career across several top European clubs before moving to the United States to play in MLS.
Here you will know Xherdan Shaqiri’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Xherdan Shaqiri’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Xherdan Shaqiri |
| Date of Birth | 10 October 1991 |
| Age | 33 |
| Education | N/A |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Height | 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 159 lbs (72 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth | £36.2 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | Weekly £11,000; annual £572,000 |
| Partner | Dhurata Ahmetaj (Kosovo pop star) |
| N/A | |
| N/A |
Early Career
Born in Gjilan (present-day Kosovo), Shaqiri moved to Basel, Switzerland, as a child and joined SV Augst’s youth setup at age eight. Two years later, he progressed to FC Basel’s renowned academy, where his pace, dribbling, and vision caught coaches’ eyes.
After scoring freely in Basel’s reserve side—including eight goals in 19 appearances—he graduated to the first team in 2009. Over three seasons, he helped Basel secure three consecutive Swiss Super League titles, developing a reputation for clutch goals and electrifying runs that made Europe’s top clubs take notice.
Professional Career
Shaqiri joined Bayern Munich for €11 million, winning three Bundesliga crowns amidst fierce competition for playing time. A January 2015 move to Inter Milan yielded less impact, and that summer he transferred to Stoke City for a club-record £12 million. His creativity and long-range strikes shone even as Stoke battled relegation.
Liverpool signed him in 2018 for £13.5 million, where he collected Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and Premier League medals as a key squad player.
After a season at Lyon, he became MLS’s top earner with Chicago Fire, notching 16 goals and 20 assists over two years. In mid-2024, Shaqiri returned to FC Basel, his boyhood club, to mentor young talents and continue adding to his rich trophy cabinet.
Girlfriend
Shaqiri has been in a long-term relationship with Kosovo pop star Dhurata Ahmetaj since around 2020. Ahmetaj, known for her chart-topping hits and strong social-media presence, frequently travels between Kosovo, Switzerland, and the UK to spend time with him.
The couple keeps most of their private life out of the public eye, sharing only occasional photos on their Instagram accounts. They have not married and do not have any children. Shaqiri often credits Dhurata’s support for helping him balance life on the road with his football commitments.
Xherdan Shaqiri’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Xherdan Shaqiri’s net worth is estimated to be £36.2 million.
Contract
After mutually parting ways with Chicago Fire in August 2024, Shaqiri returned to FC Basel on a three-year contract that runs through June 30, 2027.
The deal underscores his dual role as a leading playmaker and mentor for Basel’s emerging talents, reflecting both his homecoming value and the club’s long-term vision for sustained success.
Salary
Shaqiri’s pay packet at FC Basel stands at £11,000 per week, which adds up to roughly £572,000 a year. He traded his Major League Soccer peak—when his weekly wage jumped as high as £136,000 for a £7.07 million annual haul—back for a more modest but steady salary at his boyhood club.
During his Liverpool stint he earned about £86,000 each week (£4.47 million per season), and at Stoke City he made around £61,000 weekly (£3.17 million annually). This mix of top-flight and big-money MLS paychecks shows how he’s balanced earning power with playing time throughout his career.
Career Earnings
| Year | Club | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | FC Basel | £572,000 |
| 2024 | Chicago Fire | £6,500,000 |
| 2023 | Chicago Fire | £7,072,000 |
| 2022 | Chicago Fire | £2,288,000 |
| 2021 | Liverpool | £4,472,000 |
| 2020 | Liverpool | £4,472,000 |
| 2019 | Liverpool | £4,472,000 |
| 2018 | Stoke City | £3,172,000 |
| 2017 | Stoke City | £3,172,000 |
Career Stats
| Team | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Basel II | 2007–2009 | 19 | 8 |
| FC Basel | 2009–2012 | 92 | 18 |
| Bayern Munich | 2012–2015 | 52 | 11 |
| Inter Milan | 2015 | 15 | 1 |
| Stoke City | 2015–2018 | 84 | 15 |
| Liverpool | 2018–2021 | 45 | 7 |
| Lyon | 2021–2022 | 11 | 2 |
| Chicago Fire | 2022–2024 | 69 | 14 |
| FC Basel | 2024–Present | 31 | 18 |
| Switzerland (INT) | 2010–2024 | 125 | 32 |
FAQs
1. Which clubs has Xherdan Shaqiri represented in his senior career?
Shaqiri’s senior journey began with FC Basel II before breaking into Basel’s first team. He moved to Bayern Munich (2012–15), had a brief spell at Inter Milan (2015), then Stoke City (2015–18). Liverpool signed him in 2018, followed by Lyon (2021–22) and Chicago Fire (2022–24). In mid-2024 he returned to FC Basel, combining playing duties with mentoring young talent.
2. What are Shaqiri’s achievements with the Swiss national team?
Shaqiri earned 125 caps and scored 32 goals for Switzerland between 2010 and 2024. He stands as the nation’s second-most capped player and fourth-highest scorer. He featured in four FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and three European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024), often providing decisive goals and assists on football’s biggest international stages.
3. Which major trophies has Shaqiri won at club level?
Shaqiri collected three Swiss Super League titles with Basel and three Bundesliga crowns at Bayern Munich. He was part of Bayern’s historic 2012–13 treble, adding the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. At Liverpool he won the UEFA Champions League (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), FIFA Club World Cup (2019) and the Premier League title in 2020.
4. What is known about Shaqiri’s personal relationship status?
Shaqiri has been linked with Kosovo pop star Dhurata Ahmetaj since around 2020. The couple keeps their life private, sharing occasional moments on social media. They are not married and have no children. He credits her support for helping him maintain balance amid rigorous training, travel, and match schedules.
5. What is the duration and significance of his contract with FC Basel?
Shaqiri signed a three-year deal with FC Basel running until June 2027. The contract marks a homecoming that leverages his experience to lead on the pitch and mentor emerging players. It reflects Basel’s commitment to blend veteran leadership with youth development for sustained success.
