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It’s not uncommon to see older players return to their boyhood clubs.

It usually brings a boost of morale, a bit of nostalgia, and often, expectations that aren’t always met.

But every now and then, there’s a comeback that actually makes a difference.

In one of Europe’s lesser-watched leagues, the title race was tight heading into the final stretch.

At least five clubs were within touching distance.

One of them, not seen at the top since 2017, had made a big move before the season began—bringing back a player many assumed was past his best.

He had spent the last three seasons in Major League Soccer without making headlines.

But back home, with everything on the line, he exploded into form at just the right time.

Xherdan Shaqiri returned to FC Basel last August.

At 33, after three low-key seasons with Chicago Fire, few expected him to lead a title charge.

But his impact was immediate—and historic.

On Saturday, Shaqiri scored a stunning 10-minute hat-trick in a 5-2 win over Lugano, even after Basel were reduced to 10 men.

His second goal was a curling, dipping strike that brought back memories of his screamer for Switzerland at Euro 2024 against Scotland.

The title was confirmed a day later, without Basel kicking a ball.

Second-placed Servette drew 0-0 with Young Boys, leaving Basel 11 points clear with three games left.

It’s their first Swiss Super League crown since 2017.

Shaqiri has been the spark behind a stunning seven-game winning streak.

Basel scored five goals in each of their last three games.

During that run, Shaqiri delivered nine goals and seven assists.

He now has a career-best 18 goals and 20 assists in the league this season.

This is Shaqiri’s fourth Swiss league title, all with Basel.

The first three came between 2010 and 2012 before he left for Bayern Munich and later Liverpool, where he won the Champions League again in 2019.

Basel will now enter next season’s Champions League playoff round in August, back where they belong—thanks in large part to their former Red.

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