Morocco sees Younes Ebnoutalib choose Germany

On the training grounds of Eintracht Frankfurt stands Younes Ebnoutalib, 23, with an eye on the future. After months of uncertainty he has confirmed that he will definitively play his internationals for Germany, leaving behind the option to represent Morocco.

Strong start at Eintracht Frankfurt

The young striker began the season spectacularly, with four goals and two assists in just four matches. This productivity confirms his status as one of the most promising attackers in the Bundesliga.

Ebnoutalib arrived in Frankfurt in January 2026 for eight million euros from SV Elversberg, where he laid the foundation for the sensational promotion of Der Dorfverein with twelve goals. The investment quickly proved its impact.

His first half‑year, however, was plagued by knee problems; between January and May he received only 131 minutes of play. Because of that injury, he missed a chance for a place in the Moroccan World Cup squad, while fellow forwards Ayoube Amaimouni‑Echghouyab and Soufiane Rahimi were called up.

Klopp splits Germany squad as Nations League opener looms

Ebnoutalib, son of a Moroccan father and a German mother, spoke openly about his disappointment: “I felt disappointed, but I respect the national coach’s decision. Would I accept a call‑up from Jürgen Klopp? Of course, who could refuse that?”

Choice for Germany and reactions

With those words he confirmed his definitive switch to Die Mannschaft. Jürgen Klopp, the new national coach of Germany, called him up immediately for the Nations League matches against the Netherlands on September 24 and Greece on September 27, and later against Serbia and again Greece.

Moroccan national coach Mohamed Ouahbi responded on Thursday to the decision. He emphasized that Ebnoutalib had been monitored since last season, that he was in the preliminary squads of March and June, and that his injury history made him “not ready” for the World Cup. “He has made his choice, I wish him much success,” Ouahbi said, adding that Morocco is “the sixth team in the world.”