The Sunderland captain is also Switzerland’s captain, making him the natural figurehead of the club’s World Cup group. His experience stretches back to the tournament in Brazil, but his message remains grounded: each edition brings a different challenge and responsibility.
Xhaka described Switzerland as a team with quality, clear objectives and a collective spirit. He also drew a direct comparison with Sunderland, praising an environment where players “luta junto e funciona como uma família” - fight together and function as a family.
That leadership has already shaped Sunderland’s revival. Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, Xhaka has helped guide the club back into European competition for the first time in more than half a century. His influence now extends from the Stadium of Light to the Swiss national team.
If Xhaka represents experience, Robin Roefs is the breakthrough story. The goalkeeper is heading to his first major tournament with the Netherlands after a rapid rise that he described as “realização de um sonho de infância” - the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
Roefs has credited Sunderland with giving him the trust and stability to adapt to English football. His first Premier League season brought valuable exposure, while his performances helped earn a place in the Netherlands squad.
The goalkeeper has also spoken about the intensity of the past 18 months, admitting that a World Cup place once seemed beyond reach. Now, with the Netherlands facing Sweden, Japan and Tunisia, he has the chance to turn promise into international impact.
For Sunderland, the next storyline is clear: Xhaka’s leadership and Roefs’ emergence will be tested on football’s grandest stage. Their performances could further underline how far the club has come - and raise expectations for the campaign ahead.