Nordi Mukiele hails Granit Xhaka after Sunderland men’s Player of the Season award | OneFootball

Nordi Mukiele praised Granit Xhaka after the Sunderland captain was named the club’s men’s Player of the Season.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, the awards were held at the Beacon of Light on Wednesday evening to mark a memorable 2025-26.

Xhaka, in his first campaign on Wearside after the club’s Premier League return, anchored Régis Le Bris’ young side with leadership and quality. The Hummel-sponsored prize recognised his influence in securing top-flight safety.

Mukiele posted a photo of Xhaka with the trophy on Instagram. He added a message of respect, said the award was deserved, and included a red heart.

Xhaka later shared images from the night and said success means more when it is shared with the team. He added red and white hearts and his usual GX34 tag.

Other honours included Brian Brobbey’s derby winner at Newcastle United as the LiveScore Moment That Mattered. Chris Rigg’s first Premier League goal against Aston Villa took Goal of the Season, Robin Roefs was Young Player of the Season, and Dan Ballard won the Foundation of Light Community Player of the Season.

Emily Scarr was Women’s Player of the Season, Katy Watson won Women’s Young Player of the Season, and Katie Kitching claimed Women’s Goal of the Season. Finn Geragusian was Under-21 Player of the Season, Finlay Holcroft took Under-18 Player of the Season, Charlie Scorer won Junior Player of the Season, and club historian Rob Mason received the Lifetime Achievement award.

Source: Sunderland Echo