In the world of European football, few names resonate as strongly as Xherdan Shaqiri, often referred to as the 'Swiss Messi'. As Basel prepares to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa League, all eyes are on this 34-year-old star who has returned to his roots after a successful international career.

Basel coach Ludovic Magnin felt they had Aston Villa doubting themselves during Thursday's Europa League defeat.

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri returned to Basel on Friday, 12 years after leaving the club where he began his career. Basel announced in a statement titled “Welcome home, Shaq” that Shaqiri had penned a three-year deal.

GENEVA (AP) — A prodigal son whose Champions League-winning career stalled in Major League Soccer. A once-dominant club that has not won a league title since 2017. Xherdan Shaqiri’s revival on leaving Chicago Fire to return to Basel this season — and ...

Check out our soccer expert’s FC Basel vs Aston Villa predictions, prior to Thursday’s 3:00pm ET Europa League clash (12/11).

GENEVA — Inspired by Xherdan Shaqiri’s return home from Major League Soccer, Basel sealed its first Swiss league title since 2017 on Sunday without playing. Second-placed Servette’s failure to win — drawing 0-0 at home to third-placed Young Boys ...