🐣 This week’s rising star: Saïd El Mala 🇩🇪 | OneFootball

Every week, OneFootball introduces you to the new faces of world football. Maybe you’ve already heard of him, but just in case, let’s head to Germany, where Saïd El Mala is taking the Bundesliga by storm!

A few years ago, he was thinking of quitting everything. Rejected from Mönchengladbach’s youth academy at 15, the young German almost said goodbye to his dreams. But pushed by his brother Malek, he persevered, and it’s safe to say he was right to do so.

After making a name for himself at Viktoria Köln, he’s now establishing himself as one of FC Cologne’s key players, and as one of the most promising talents in Germany.

Last season, on loan at his formative club, El Mala lit up the 3. Liga with his talent: 13 goals, 5 assists, and the title of best young player of the season.

Tall (1.87 m) and explosive at the same time, he loves to take on defenders one-on-one with the ball at his feet. His ambidexterity makes him unpredictable, and his versatility allows him to play anywhere across the front line.

The summer of 2025 confirmed his rise: wearing the Germany U19 shirt, he shone at the Euro with 2 goals and 2 assists, leading the Mannschaft to the semi-finals. This performance convinced 1. FC Köln to extend their gem’s contract until 2030, despite interest from English clubs like Brighton.

Once considered “just” a promising player, El Mala has now established himself as a true revelation. His start to the season hasn’t gone unnoticed either, as Julian Nagelsmann decided to call him up for the November international break.

He’s sure to be a hot topic in upcoming transfer windows. In your opinion, who should make a move for him?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 Lars Baron - 2025 Getty Images