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

Nordi Mukiele sent a respectful message to Granit Xhaka after the Sunderland captain was confirmed as men’s player of the season. According to Sunderland Echo, the recognition capped a standout first year on Wearside.

Sunderland marked a memorable 2025-26 at the Beacon of Light on Wednesday evening, as players, staff, partners and supporters gathered for the End of Season Awards.

Xhaka collected the main award after an outstanding debut for Régis Le Bris’s side following promotion, providing leadership, quality and experience to a young squad.

Mukiele posted an Instagram photo of Xhaka with the trophy, praising him and calling the award deserved. Xhaka later shared images from the night, saying success is better when shared with the team.

The award, sponsored by Hummel, came after the Switzerland international helped Sunderland secure Premier League status in style. The LiveScore Moment That Mattered went to Brian Brobbey’s derby winner at Newcastle United, and Goal of the Season to Chris Rigg’s first Premier League strike against Aston Villa.

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

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

Source: Sunderland Echo