Top 10 Best Switzerland Football Players of All Time, Ranked

9. Ricardo Rodriguez

Career Span: 2011-Present

Ricardo Rodriguez has accumulated a remarkable number of international appearances, surpassing Lichtsteiner's record, despite his relatively young age of 31. He made his debut at just 19 years old and has been a mainstay in the national team ever since.

In club football, Rodriguez has had notable stints at Wolfsburg, A.C. Milan, and Torino. Currently without a club after his contract with Torino ended, his performance at Euro 2024 could attract new opportunities swiftly.

8. Alain Geiger

Career Span: 1980-1996

Alain Geiger challenged the traditional image of a center-back with his modest height of 5'11", proving that physical stature wasn't a barrier to international success. Across a 20-year career, he amassed 112 caps for Switzerland, placing him second only to Heinz Hermann in appearances for the national team. Geiger notably captained Switzerland in the 1994 World Cup and Euro 96, concluding his international career with a match against England, the same team he debuted against.

In club football, Geiger primarily played in Switzerland, achieving significant success with Sion and Servette, where he secured two league titles and three cups. His most notable accomplishment came as the leader of Neuchatel Xamax, guiding them to their only two Swiss League titles.

7. Heinz Hermann

Career Span: 1978-1991

Heinz Hermann amassed an impressive array of honors throughout his career, which makes his record of 118 caps even more remarkable given that he never participated in a major tournament for his country.

Regarded as a player of exceptional quality, Hermann was considered the top Swiss player from the mid to late 1980s, a golden era of football. His prowess was underscored by winning Switzerland's Footballer of the Year award five consecutive times from 1984 to 1988. Since retiring from playing, the 66-year-old has remained active in football, serving in roles such as academy manager at Basel and director of football at FC Luzern.

6. Stephane Chapuisat

Career Span: 1989-2004

Stephane Chapuisat's international career spanning more than 15 years reflects his exceptional talent. A pivotal figure for Switzerland throughout the 1990s, Chapuisat earned over 100 caps, featuring prominently in two European Championships and the 1994 World Cup.

At the club level, Chapuisat made significant contributions to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, playing a crucial role in their successful era with consecutive league titles and the Champions League triumph in 1996-97. He scored more than 250 league goals in his career. A striker of his caliber would undoubtedly bolster the current squad, making them formidable opponents to contend with.

5. Manuel Akanji

Career Span: 2017-Present

Manuel Akanji, despite a relatively shorter tenure representing Switzerland compared to others on this list, has established himself as one of his country's premier defenders. Rising to prominence at Borussia Dortmund, Akanji's unexpected move to Manchester City surprised many.

Since joining City, the 28-year-old center-back has seamlessly integrated into Pep Guardiola's tactical framework, earning recognition as one of the Premier League's most underrated players. His contributions were pivotal to City's treble-winning campaign in 2023, underscoring his importance both at club and international level under Murat Yakin.

4. Alexander Frei

Career Span: 2001-2011

Alexander Frei's international career was marked by significant contributions despite its premature end due to fan criticism. He participated in two European Championships and the 2006 World Cup, where he scored two goals.

Frei holds the distinction of being Switzerland's all-time leading scorer with 42 goals, showcasing an impressive goal-per-game ratio of one in every two appearances. While some players on this list have enjoyed longer international careers, Frei demonstrated that impact can sometimes outweigh longevity in terms of influence and contribution to the team.

3. Yann Sommer

Career Span: 2012-Present

Yann Sommer is widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in today's football landscape, consistently delivering heroic performances for Switzerland. Despite being 35 years old, Sommer remains at the peak of his abilities. His impressive form has earned him moves to Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the past two years, where he has added league titles to his accolades.

Known for his cat-like reflexes and impeccable decision-making skills, Sommer's grounded demeanor keeps him focused and ready for any challenge, whether it's making spectacular saves or orchestrating the defense. With just a few more caps to reach a century of appearances for Switzerland, Sommer is on the verge of joining an exclusive club of footballing greats.

2. Granit Xhaka

Career Span: 2011-Present

Granit Xhaka's journey from being a polarizing figure at Arsenal to a revered player at Bayer Leverkusen is a compelling tale in football lore. While at Arsenal, the midfielder displayed flashes of his potential but also faced criticism from fans due to occasional rash decisions.

In his final season at Arsenal, Xhaka was given a role that suited his strengths, allowing him to excel on the pitch. This opportunity enabled him to showcase the consistent form that had made him a key player for Switzerland. Following his departure from Arsenal, the 31-year-old joined Bayer Leverkusen under the management of Xabi Alonso. There, he quickly established himself as a pivotal member of Alonso's squad, contributing significantly to their Bundesliga title-winning campaign in the 2023-24 season.

1. Xherdan Shaqiri

Career Span: 2010-Present

Even as he enters the latter stages of his career, Xherdan Shaqiri continues to make an impact and set records. His spectacular goal in Switzerland's second Group A game against Scotland not only stood out as a contender for goal of the tournament but also solidified Shaqiri's unique achievement: he is the only player to have scored in the last three European Championships and the last three World Cups.

A decade after scoring his first goal at a major tournament for Switzerland, the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player ranks second in caps and fourth in all-time goals scored for his country. With his contract at Chicago Fire set to expire this winter, Shaqiri, now 32, still possesses considerable skill and experience. Regardless of what lies ahead, his legacy as Switzerland's greatest football star is firmly established.

All stats via Transfermarkt