Nordi Mukiele hails Granit Xhaka after Sunderland 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.

Sunderland Echo reports that the 2025-26 End of Season Awards were staged at the Beacon of Light on Wednesday, with players, staff, partners and supporters in attendance.

In his first campaign on Wearside, Xhaka has been pivotal at the heart of Régis Le Bris’ side following their return to the Premier League, adding quality, leadership and experience to a young group.

Mukiele shared an Instagram photo of Xhaka with the trophy and wrote that he respected him and that the accolade was fully deserved, adding a red heart.

Xhaka posted his own message, saying success means more when it is shared with the team, alongside red and white hearts and his GX34 hashtag.

The Hummel-sponsored award capped a season in which the Switzerland international helped the Black Cats secure their top-flight status in style. Brian Brobbey’s dramatic derby winner at Newcastle United was chosen as the LiveScore Moment That Mattered.

Chris Rigg’s first Premier League strike against Aston Villa won Goal of the Season, Robin Roefs took Young Player, and Dan Ballard received the Foundation of Light Community Player of the Season award.

Emily Scarr claimed Women’s Player of the Season, Katy Watson won Women’s Young Player, and Katie Kitching sealed Women’s Goal of the Season.

Finn Geragusian was named Under-21 Player, Finlay Holcroft took Under-18 Player, Charlie Scorer earned Junior Player, and club historian Rob Mason collected the Lifetime Achievement award.

Source: Sunderland Echo