Xherdan Shaqiri returns to Basel and leaves behind millionaire failure in MLS

Xherdan Shaqiri returned to Basel after an uninspiring spell in Major League Soccer. What was supposed to be a journey to reaffirm his star in the MLS ended up becoming a chapter to be forgotten. At Chicago Fire, Shaqiri arrived with pomp and circumstance, but left through the back door, leaving a feeling that soccer doesn't forgive even the greatest talents when the shine starts to wear off.

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Signed as a Designated Player by the Chicago Fire, Shaqiri arrived in the United States with the label of star. By 2022, he was the highest paid player in the league, earning a salary that made him one of the most media-friendly faces in the MLS. But instead of shining, the Swiss player experienced a rollercoaster of ups and downs that never really reached the heights he had hoped for. His numbers - 16 goals and 14 assists in 75 games - may seem decent at first glance, but considering the expectations and investment made by the Fire, these numbers became a painful reminder of a contract that didn't pay off as expected.

The MLS is a growing league, where world-renowned players often seek one last breath of glory. However, reality is harsh and, for Shaqiri, adapting to American soccer has been anything but easy. The pressure of being the Fire's savior was too much, and Shaqiri never managed to translate his talent into leadership on the pitch. The weight of the million-dollar contract eventually became a burden for both him and the club.

Now back at Basel, Shaqiri returns to the place where it all began. Swiss fans, who have seen him grow and shine, are sure to welcome the striker with a mixture of hope and skepticism. If, on the one hand, he is the prodigal son returning home, on the other, he is a player who needs to prove that he still has what it takes to be decisive. At 32, Shaqiri is no longer the young prodigy, but a veteran looking to regain the respect and admiration he once enjoyed.

Basel, for their part, are betting on Shaqiri's return as a strategic move to revive the club's glory days. The Swiss scene, where Shaqiri has won six league titles, seems the perfect stage for a possible redemption. However, soccer is no longer what Shaqiri left it more than a decade ago. The new generation of players is fast, intense and hungry for space, and the player will have to use all his experience and skill to stand out.

The termination with Chicago Fire was, in a way, a relief for both sides. The Chicago club can now move on, looking for new options that really fit their game, while Shaqiri gets a new chance to revive his career in familiar surroundings. However, the shadow of failure in the MLS will certainly follow the Swiss, a constant reminder that soccer, at all levels, is unforgiving.