The roar is back at the Stadium of Light. After nearly a decade away, Sunderland's return to the Premier League for the 2025–26 season is being spearheaded by a quietly impressive rebuild under manager Régis Le Bris. The Black Cats are finding their feet in the top flight, with three wins in their last five matches showcasing a newfound resilience, conceding a mere three goals in that stretch.

This isn't just about surviving; it's about making a statement. Victories like the 2-1 triumph at rivals Newcastle and a gritty 1-0 win over Tottenham have injected genuine belief into the squad. As they head into a tough fixture at Aston Villa, Sunderland carries a momentum built on a solid defensive foundation and, crucially, the unwavering leadership of their captain.

That leader is Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international's arrival in the summer of 2025 for £13 million was a major coup, and his immediate appointment as captain proved to be a masterstroke. His influence has been transformative, so much so that it reportedly attracted glances from European giants like Juventus, who quickly learned of his total commitment to the Sunderland project.

At 33, Xhaka is defying any notion of a slowdown, a fact echoed on the international stage. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has firmly dismissed any talk that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Xhaka's farewell tour for his country. "As long as he’s in this kind of health, he’ll play as long as possible," Yakin stated, confirming the national team's record appearance-maker has no plans to retire from international duty.

For Sunderland fans, this is brilliant news. Xhaka's enduring quality and leadership for Switzerland only underscore his value to the club. After a recent ankle injury, his seamless return—including a full 90-minute shift in the win over Spurs—proves his fitness and sharpness remain elite. Having a player of his experience and competitive fire fully invested in the cause is a priceless asset for a club re-establishing itself among the elite.