In 2009, the Swiss U17 football team achieved something truly remarkable. They triumphed over formidable opponents, including Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Colombia, to claim victory in the FIFA U17 World Cup held in Nigeria. This feat was a first for any Swiss football team, and to this day, it remains the only time the Swiss U17 team has qualified for the tournament. What makes this story even more fascinating is the team’s multicultural makeup; most of the players, including captain Frédéric Veseli, had immigrant backgrounds. The team’s success exemplifies the power of diversity and the potential of young talent.
While their achievement brought immense pride to Switzerland, it’s fascinating to see what became of these young athletes. Some have gone on to achieve international recognition, while others have found success in their domestic leagues or even chosen to represent different nations. This article will delve into the diverse career paths of the starting eleven players from that historic U17 World Cup winning squad.
The Path of the Champions
The team’s captain, Frédéric Veseli, attracted attention from Manchester City and Manchester United after the World Cup victory. However, he struggled to gain a regular spot in either team, ultimately making no appearances for either club. He now plays for Empoli in the Italian second division and has represented Albania on the international stage since 2015.
Another standout player, Ricardo Rodriguez, has enjoyed a successful career, playing for FC Zurich, Wolfsburg in Germany, and currently, AC Milan. He has earned 69 caps for the Swiss national team and is a key player for the team.
Haris Seferovic, the hero of the World Cup, scored the winning goal in the final. He began his career at Grasshoppers and has since played in Italy, Spain, and Germany, before settling at Benfica, the Portuguese champions. Seferovic has been a regular fixture for the Swiss national team, with 61 appearances to his name.
The team’s goalkeeper, Benjamin Siegrist, received the “Golden Glove” award for his outstanding performances at the World Cup. He has played for several English clubs and Vaduz in Liechtenstein before joining Dundee United in the Scottish second division.
Granit Xhaka has experienced both triumph and tribulation in his career. He made his name at FC Basel, followed by a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany. In 2016, he signed for Arsenal, one of the most prestigious clubs in England, for a reported fee of £30 million. Xhaka has been a key player for both Arsenal and the Swiss national team, but his career has also been marred by controversy, including a clash with fans at Arsenal.
A Legacy of Champions
The Swiss U17 World Cup victory was a testament to the team’s dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit. While the futures of these young players have taken different paths, their shared achievement has left a lasting legacy on the Swiss football scene. The story of their victory remains a source of inspiration for young players and a reminder that dreams can come true with hard work and perseverance.
