The veteran midfielder joined the club for a reported initial £13 million from Bayer Leverkusen and has quickly established himself as a key player.
Xhaka arrived aged 32 with a wealth of experience under his belt, having starred for and captained Arsenal, while also playing an integral role in Leverkusen winning their first-ever Bundesliga title.
“It makes me incredibly proud to be captain of this club and this team. I hope to show my leadership on and off the pitch, helping my teammates in the training ground and across the club," he said.
"To be part of Sunderland’s history, alongside some of the names who have worn the armband before, is an honour.
"People who know me know exactly what they’ll get – I’m someone who demands a lot. I’m a winner and I want to win – and I expect the same from my teammates."
He replaces academy graduate Dan Neil as the 'pitch' captain - the man who wears the armband on the field - and joins a larger 'leadership team' off the field.
While that team will be confirmed after the transfer window, it's thought that previous club captain Luke O'Nien will be a key part of it, as well as Neil, should he stay at the club.
Sunderland's first Premier League campaign in eight years gets underway at home to West Ham on Saturday, August 16th.