Shaqiri’s heroics propel Basel to first Swiss Super League Title since 2017
FC Basel have clinched their first Swiss Super League title since 2017 — and they did it without kicking a ball on Sunday. The turning point came when Servette FC, second in the table, were held to a goalless draw by Young Boys, leaving Basel an unassailable 11-point lead with just three matches remaining.
The resurgence of Basel has been nothing short of dramatic, and at the heart of it is Xherdan Shaqiri, the hometown hero who returned to the club last August after a spell in Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire. Since rejoining, Shaqiri has transformed the team's fortunes, especially during the title run-in.
On Saturday, the 33-year-old turned back the clock with a sensational 10-minute hat trick in a 5-2 victory over Lugano — despite Basel being down to 10 men. One of his goals, a curling, dipping shot, echoed his iconic strike for Switzerland at Euro 2024 against Scotland.
Shaqiri’s Stunning Stats Power Basel
Shaqiri has been instrumental in Basel’s seven-match winning streak, a period during which the team has scored five goals in each of the last three games. His contribution? A staggering nine goals and seven assists, pushing his season totals to a career-best 18 goals and 20 assists in league play.
This marks Shaqiri’s fourth Swiss league title with Basel — the first three came during the club’s dominant run from 2010 to 2012, which he kick-started as a teenager. He departed for Bayern Munich in 2012, where he won his first UEFA Champions League title, and later lifted a second with Liverpool in 2019.
Champions League Awaits
With this title, Basel secures a spot in the Champions League qualifying playoffs set for August. Meanwhile, Servette, as league runners-up, will enter in July’s second qualifying round, needing to overcome three opponents to reach the expanded 36-team group stage.
A Remarkable Turnaround Under Celestini
Basel’s title charge is even more impressive considering their position last October — bottom of the table — when Fabio Celestini took over as head coach. The former Switzerland midfielder has overseen a remarkable revival that has now culminated in silverware.
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