Nordi Mukiele hails Granit Xhaka after Sunderland player of the season award | OneFootball

Nordi Mukiele saluted Granit Xhaka after the Sunderland captain was named the club’s men’s player of the season.

According to Sunderland Echo, the club held its End of Season Awards at the Beacon of Light on Wednesday, rounding off a memorable 2025-26 campaign.

Xhaka claimed the top men’s prize after an outstanding first year on Wearside, anchoring Régis Le Bris’ side on their Premier League return with leadership and experience.

Mukiele posted a photo of Xhaka with the trophy on Instagram, adding a respectful note that it was deserved and a red heart. Xhaka later shared images from the night and a message that success feels better when shared with the team, adding red and white hearts and his usual GX34 hashtag.

The Hummel-sponsored accolade followed a season in which the Switzerland international helped secure top-flight status in style. Brian Brobbey’s derby winner at Newcastle United was voted the LiveScore Moment That Mattered, while Chris Rigg’s first Premier League goal against Aston Villa took Goal of the Season.

Robin Roefs was named Young Player of the Season and Dan Ballard received the Foundation of Light Community Player of the Season award. Emily Scarr won Women’s Player of the Season, with Katy Watson the Women’s Young Player and Katie Kitching taking Women’s Goal of the Season.

Finn Geragusian collected Under-21 Player of the Season, Finlay Holcroft took Under-18 Player of the Season, and Charlie Scorer earned Junior Player of the Season. Club historian Rob Mason received the Lifetime Achievement award for his work preserving Sunderland’s history.

Source: Sunderland Echo