Xherdan Shaqiri started his international career in March 2010 at the age of 18 years. He represented his country at four world cups along with three European Championships. After winning 125 Switzerland caps and only one player who scores in each of the last three World cups and European Championships he announced his international retirement on Monday 15th July 2024.
Midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, 32 who now plays with Chicago Fire in the USA, is Switzerland’s 2nd most-capped player after Granit Xhaka on 130 caps, from same Switzerland team.
In his last game for the Nati played on 6th July 2024 in quarter-final at Duesseldorf against England in which England beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2024 quarter-final Shaqiri scored in the shoot-out.
Xherdan Shaqiri informed on social media ” Seven tournaments, many goals,14 years with the Swiss national team and unforgettable moments. It’s time to say goodbye to the national team. Great memories remain and I say to you all: thank you!”.
Shaqiri was Switzerland’s 4th top goal scorer with 32 goals after Alexander Frei with 42 and Kubilay Turkyilmaz and Max Abegglen on 34.
The Swiss Football Association (SFA) told most of his goals were “bangers”.
Xherdan Shaqiri in his 7th appearance in 2010 first scored for Switzerland in a 3-1 defeat by England in Basel. He scored all three as Switzerland beat Honduras 3-0 in the World cup 2014 in Brazil.
In Euro 2024 his final international goal came, attacking on a loose ball and blasting in the equaliser from outside the penalty box in Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Scotland in the group stage. As striker he is only player to score in the last three Euros and last three World cups.
‘Remarkable moments’-
The Swiss Football Association governing peoples paid tribute to Xherdan Shaqiri’s imprint on the national football team.
” With Shaqiri, a big part of the Nati’s history gone. In recent years, the attacking midfielder was the man for special moments,” the SFV told.
” We thank you with all our hearts for the many unforgettable commitments and the wonderful goals and assists in the national team and wish you the best for your future, and much success. You have touched and conquered our hearts with your game and your goals.”
Shaqiri have scored highest goals for Switzerland in the finals tournaments with 10, five in the Euros and five in World cups.
SFA informed ” Only six other players have scored five or more than five goals at both the tournaments, World cup and Euros : Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klinsmann, Michel Platini, Thierry Henry and Romelu Lukaku.