# Said El Mala

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**Said El Mala** (zaˈiːt ɛlˈmaːla; born 26 August 2006) is a German professional [footballer](/source/Association_football) who plays as [winger](/source/Winger_(association_football)) for club [1. FC Köln](/source/1._FC_K%C3%B6ln).

## Early life

El Mala was born on 26 August 2006 in [Krefeld](/source/Krefeld), Germany.[2][3] His mother, Sabrina, is German, and his father, Mohammed, is Lebanese.[2] Both work at [Düsseldorf](/source/D%C3%BCsseldorf)-based consumer goods company [Henkel](/source/Henkel).[4] His father played as a [centre-back](/source/Centre-back) for [Linner SV](/source/Linner_SV) in Krefeld.[2] El Mala's older brother, [Malek](/source/Malek_El_Mala), is also a professional footballer.[5]

## Club career

### Youth

El Mala began playing football with Linner SV, where his father had also played, joining the club on 30 March 2012[6] and playing until the under-11 level.[2] He then spent a brief period with [KFC Uerdingen 05](/source/KFC_Uerdingen_05) during the U11 season,[7] before joining the youth academy of [Borussia Mönchengladbach](/source/Borussia_M%C3%B6nchengladbach), where he remained until his release at age 14.[2] El Mala then joined [TSV Meerbusch](/source/TSV_Meerbusch), before moving to [Viktoria Köln](/source/FC_Viktoria_K%C3%B6ln) in 2023.[2]

### Viktoria Köln

On 19 February 2024, El Mala signed his first professional contract with Viktoria Köln.[8] He made his senior debut two days later in a [3. Liga](/source/3._Liga) match against [1. FC Saarbrücken](/source/1._FC_Saarbr%C3%BCcken).[9] On 26 June 2024, he signed a contract with [1. FC Köln](/source/1._FC_K%C3%B6ln);[2] however, due to the club's transfer ban, he remained on loan at Viktoria Köln for the 2024–25 season.[5] After scoring 13 goals in 32 games, he was named the [2024–25 3. Liga](/source/2024%E2%80%9325_3._Liga) Newcomer of the Season.[10]

### 1. FC Köln

On 19 July 2025, El Mala's contract was extended until 2030.[11] He scored his first [Bundesliga](/source/Bundesliga) goal on 31 August 2025, in Köln's 4–1 home win against [SC Freiburg](/source/SC_Freiburg).[12] On 21 March 2026, El Mala scored his tenth goal of the season in a 3–3 draw against [Gladbach](/source/Borussia_M%C3%B6nchengladbach), becoming only the fourth teenager in Köln history along [Lukas Podolski](/source/Lukas_Podolski), [Pierre Littbarski](/source/Pierre_Littbarski), and [Dieter Müller](/source/Dieter_M%C3%BCller) to reach ten goals for Köln in the league, being the second youngest out of the four.[13] Additionally, this record made him the sixth-youngest player in Bundesliga history to do so.[14] On 12 April, El Mala scored his first penalty in a 3–1 win over [Werder Bremen](/source/SV_Werder_Bremen), marking his 11th goal.[15] He scored his last goal of the season on the last matchday in a 5–1 loss to [Bayern](/source/FC_Bayern_Munich), a solo run of over 60 metres, dribbling past Bayern's defense and scoring against [Manuel Neuer](/source/Manuel_Neuer).[16] He ended the [2025–26 season](/source/2025%E2%80%9326_Bundesliga) with 13 goals and five assists, not missing a single game.[17]

## International career

Born in Germany, El Mala is of [Lebanese descent](/source/Lebanese_people_in_Germany) through his father.[18][19]

### Youth

El Mala received his first call-up to the [Germany national under-18 team](/source/Germany_national_under-18_football_team) in May 2024,[20] making his debut in a [friendly](/source/Exhibition_game) against [Denmark](/source/Denmark_national_under-18_football_team) on 22 May 2024.[21] In May 2025, he was called up to the [Germany under-19 squad](/source/Germany_national_under-19_football_team) for the [2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship](/source/2025_UEFA_European_Under-19_Championship),[22] scoring a late winner against [Norway](/source/Norway_national_under-19_football_team) to help Germany reach the semi-finals.[23]

On 5 September 2025, El Mala made his debut for the [under-21 side](/source/Germany_national_under-21_football_team),[24] and went on to appear in the [2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification](/source/2027_UEFA_European_Under-21_Championship_qualification).[25] On 31 March 2026, he scored his maiden goal for the under-21 side in a 2–0 away win against [Greece](/source/Greece_national_under-21_football_team) in the qualifiers, dedicating his goal to his late grandmother who had passed away a few days prior.[26]

### Senior

El Mala received his first [senior](/source/Germany_national_football_team) call-up from coach [Julian Nagelsmann](/source/Julian_Nagelsmann) for the final two matches of Germany's [2026 World Cup qualifying campaign](/source/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_UEFA_Group_A) against [Luxembourg](/source/Luxembourg_national_football_team) and [Slovakia](/source/Slovakia_national_football_team), though he remained unused against the former and was thus sent back to the under-21.[27][28] Despite registering 13 goals and 5 assists in his debut season, Nagelsmann would not call him up for Germany's [World Cup](/source/2026_FIFA_World_Cup) squad.[29]

## Style of play

El Mala is a versatile [winger](/source/Winger_(association_football)) known for his pace, [dribbling](/source/Dribbling_(association_football)), and direct attacking style. He often cuts inside from wide positions to create or finish scoring opportunities. Analysts have noted his strong acceleration, confident one-on-one play, and composed finishing. He is primarily known for his long range, as well as solo goals.[30][31]

## Career statistics

[32][33]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition Club Season League DFB-Pokal Other Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Viktoria Köln 2023–24 3. Liga 10 1 — 1[a] 0 11 1 1. FC Köln 2024–25 2. Bundesliga — — — 0 0 2025–26 Bundesliga 34 13 2 0 — 36 13 Total 34 13 2 0 0 0 36 13 Viktoria Köln (loan) 2024–25 3. Liga 32 13 — 2[a] 0 34 13 Career total 76 27 2 0 3 0 81 27

1. Appearance(s) in [Middle Rhine Cup](/source/Middle_Rhine_Cup)

## Honours

**Viktoria Köln**

- [Middle Rhine Cup](/source/Middle_Rhine_Cup): 2025

**Individual**

- [Fritz Walter Medal](/source/Fritz_Walter_Medal) U19 Silver: 2025[34]
- [3. Liga](/source/3._Liga) Newcomer of the Season: [2024–25](/source/2024%E2%80%9325_3._Liga)[35]
- [UEFA European Under-19 Championship](/source/UEFA_European_Under-19_Championship) top scorer: [2025](/source/2025_UEFA_European_Under-19_Championship)[36]
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: [2025](/source/2025_UEFA_European_Under-19_Championship)[37]

## References

1. ["Said El Mala"](https://fc.de/mannschaften/maenner/kader/said-el-mala) (in German). [1. FC Köln](/source/1._FC_K%C3%B6ln). Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Peters, Steffen (3 November 2025). ["Das ist Köln-Talent Said El Mala: Herkunft, Eltern, Bruder, Gehalt & Freundin"](https://www.wettfreunde.net/sportwetten-news/said-el-mala-privat/) [This is Cologne talent Said El Mala: origin, parents, brother, salary & girlfriend] (in German). *Wettfreunde.net*. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Bödeker, Uwe (19 June 2025). ["„Habe ihn überredet“: FC-Brüder El Mala erzählen von negativen Erinnerungen an Mönchengladbach"](https://www.express.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln/fc-brueder-el-mala-negative-erinnerungen-an-borussia-moenchengladbach-1047515) ["I persuaded him": FC Köln brothers El Mala talk about negative memories of Mönchengladbach] (in German). [Express](/source/Express_(Cologne_newspaper))

1. Weis, Peter (6 November 2025). ["FEATURE | Said El Mala’s journey from 'Ruhrpott Reject' to the German national team"](https://onefootball.com/en/news/featuresaid-el-malas-journey-from-ruhrpott-reject-to-the-german-national-team-41913112). *[OneFootball](/source/OneFootball)*. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Kemper, Jürgen (26 June 2024). ["FC holt Bruder-Duo an Bord: „Bringen sehr gute Voraussetzungen mit“"](https://www.express.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln/1-fc-koeln-naechste-talente-kommen-trotz-sperre-1-816509) [FC brings brother duo on board: "They bring very good prerequisites"] (in German). [Express](/source/Express_(Cologne_newspaper)). Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["El Malas Aufstieg zum Shootingstar"](https://www.sport1.de/tv-video/video/el-malas-aufstieg-zum-shootingstar__82D2CEB0-6828-435F-B348-5B9E64B11D4A) [El Mala's rise to shooting star] (in German). [Sport1](/source/Sport1_(Germany)). 28 October 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Darum bekommt der Oberligist Geld für Kölns Shootingstar Said El Mala"](https://www.reviersport.de/fussball/oberliga/a620777---kfc-uerdingen-darum-bekommt-oberligist-geld-fuer-koelns-shootingstar-said-el-mala.html) [Why the Oberliga club is getting money for Cologne's shooting star Said El Mala] (in German). [RevierSport](/source/RevierSport). 20 October 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Brüder bleiben: Viktoria bindet Malek und Said El Mala langfristig"](https://bilderbogen.de/brueder-bleiben-viktoria-bindet-malek-und-said-el-mala-langfristig) [Brothers stay: Viktoria secures Malek and Said El Mala long-term contracts] (in German). Kölner Bilder-Bogen. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["2:5 gegen FCS – de Meesters Traumtor kommt zu spät"](https://www.viktoria1904.de/aktuelles/2024-02-21-25-de-meesters-traumtor-kommt-zu-spaet) [2:5 against FCS – de Meester's dream goal comes too late] (in German). [FC Viktoria Köln](/source/FC_Viktoria_K%C3%B6ln). 21 February 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Viktoria-Newcomer Said El Mala: "Bestätigung harter Arbeit""](https://www.dfb.de/news/viktoria-newcomer-said-el-mala-bestaetigung-harter-arbeit) [Viktoria newcomer Said El Mala: "Confirmation of hard work"] (in German). [German Football Association](/source/German_Football_Association). 21 May 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["FC verlängert mit El-Mala-Brüdern vorzeitig"](https://fc.de/aktuelles/news/fc-verlaengert-mit-el-mala-bruedern-vorzeitig) [FC extends contracts with El-Mala brothers early] (in German). [1. FC Köln](/source/1._FC_K%C3%B6ln). 19 July 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Kemper, Jürgen & Bödeker, Uwe (5 September 2025). ["Gratulant wartete vor Kabine: El Mala erlebt emotionales Tor-Märchen"](https://www.express.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln/el-mala-erlebt-tor-maerchen-beim-fc-gratulant-wartete-vor-kabine-1-1097465) [Well-wisher waited outside the dressing room: El Mala lives an emotional goal fairy tale] (in German). *[Express](/source/Express_(Cologne_newspaper))*. Retrieved 19 October 2025.

1. Gauer, Sonja (3 April 2026). ["Schon gegen Frankfurt? El Mala jagt Podolski"](https://geissblog.koeln/2026/04/schon-gegen-frankfurt-el-mala-jagt-podolski/). *Geissblog*. Retrieved 3 April 2026.

1. ["Martel trifft und fliegt: Köln rettet Punkt gegen Gladbach"](https://www.kicker.de/koeln-gegen-mgladbach-2026-bundesliga-5050993/spielinfo) (in de-DE). *kicker*. Retrieved 2026-03-26.

1. sportschau.de. ["1. FC Köln gewinnt den Abstiegs-Krimi gegen Werder Bremen"](https://www.sportschau.de/fussball/bundesliga/1-fc-koeln-holt-drei-punkte-im-abstiegskampf,spielbericht-koeln-werder-bremen-100.html) (in German). *sportschau.de*. Retrieved 2026-04-12.

1. ["Bayern 5-1 Cologne (May 16, 2026) Final Score"](https://www.espn.com.sg/football/match/_/gameId/747020/fc-cologne-bayern-munich). *www.espn.com.sg*. Retrieved 2026-06-01.

1. ["Said El Mala | 1. FC Köln | Bundesliga | 2025/26 | Spielerprofil"](https://www.kicker.de/said-el-mala/spieler) (in de-DE). *kicker*. Retrieved 2026-06-01.

1. ["ar:لبناني هدافاً لكأس أوروبا: سعيد الملاّ نجم ألمانيا الصاعد"](https://www.al-akhbar.com/sports/847510/%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A7-%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A3%D8%B3-%D8%A3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7--%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%86%D8%AC%D9%85-%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AF) [Lebanese top scorer in the European Championship: Said El Mala, Germany's rising star]. [Al Akhbar](/source/Al_Akhbar_(Lebanon)). 25 June 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Frank, Mirko (4 October 2025). ["1. FC Köln: Das ist Kölns neuer Wunder-Junge Said El Mala (19)"](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln-das-ist-koelns-neuer-wunder-junge-said-el-mala-19-68e0c91fc9fcb483178b7464) [1. FC Köln: This is Cologne's new wonder boy Said El Mala (19)] (in German). [Bild](/source/Bild). Retrieved 4 October 2025.

1. ["DFB nominiert El-Mala-Brüder"](https://www.viktoria1904.de/aktuelles/2024-05-13-dfb-nominiert-el-mala-brueder) [DFB nominates El Mala brothers] (in German). [FC Viktoria Köln](/source/FC_Viktoria_K%C3%B6ln). 13 May 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Deutschland U 18 (m) – Dänemark U 18, 1:1"](https://datencenter.dfb.de/datencenter/laenderspiel-1245/2023-24/saison/deutschland-u-18-m-daenemark-u-18-2371453) [Germany U18 (m) – Denmark U18, 1–1] (in German). [German Football Association](/source/German_Football_Association). 22 May 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Der U 19-Kader für die EM steht"](https://www.dfb.de/news/der-u-19-kader-fuer-die-em-steht) (in German). [German Football Association](/source/German_Football_Association). 20 May 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Under-19 EURO Matchday 3 round-up: Germany reach semi-finals after dramatic turnaround victory"](https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/029a-1e0a24d929fc-e0217afa769e-1000--under-19-euro-matchday-3-round-up-germany-reach-semi-final/). [UEFA](/source/UEFA). 19 June 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Ansah and Pejcinovic on target as Germany U21s win in Albania"](https://www.dfb.de/news/ansah-and-pejcinovic-on-target-as-germany-u21s-win-in-albania). [German Football Association](/source/German_Football_Association). 5 September 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Rehse, Antje (10 October 2025). ["FC-Kollege verletzt: El Mala eingewechselt – DFB-U21 verliert"](https://www.express.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln/u21-niederlage-el-mala-eingewechselt-bitterer-ausfall-fuer-pauli-1126274) [FC teammate injured: El Mala substituted on – DFB U21 loses] (in German). *[Express](/source/Express_(Cologne_newspaper))*. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Said El Mala bei U-21-Quali-Spiel: Torjubel für verstorbene Oma"](https://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/fussball/said-el-mala-bei-u-21-quali-spiel-torjubel-fuer-verstorbene-oma-200693275.html) (in German). *FAZ.NET*. 2026-04-01. Retrieved 2026-04-03.

1. Kemper, Jürgen (6 November 2025). ["Ehre für FC-Star: Nagelsmann sorgt für DFB-Hammer bei El Mala"](https://www.express.de/sport/fussball/1-fc-koeln/said-el-mala-dabei-julian-nagelsmann-nominiert-fc-talent-1144673) (in German). [Express](/source/Express_(Cologne_newspaper)). Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Gegen Luxemburg und die Slowakei Nagelsmann nominiert Leroy Sané und Said El Mala"](https://www.sportschau.de/fussball/nationalmannschaft/nagelsmann-nominiert-leroy-sane-und-said-el-mala,dfb-kader-124.html) (in German). *[sportschau.de](/source/Sportschau)*. 6 November 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["WM-Schocknachricht für Köln-Youngster – DFB-Coach Julian Nagelsmann setzt lieber auf BVB-Star"](https://www.fr.de/sport/fussball/wm-schocknachricht-fuer-koeln-youngster-nagelsmann-verzichtet-auf-el-mala-zr-94316764.html) (in German). *www.fr.de*. 2026-05-21. Retrieved 2026-05-22.

1. Kulig, Jacek (25 January 2025). ["Said El Mala: Scouting Report by Adam Khan"](https://footballtalentscout.net/said-el-mala-scouting-report-by-adam-khan). *Football Talent Scout*. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. Holland, James (26 October 2025). ["Chelsea, Man Utd on converge on 'explosive' new Bundesliga star who scores spectacular goals"](https://www.teamtalk.com/news/chelsea-man-utd-said-el-mala-transfer-koln). *TEAMtalk*. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["Zwölf Talente mit Fritz-Walter-Medaillen ausgezeichnet"](https://www.dfb.de/news/zwoelf-talente-mit-fritz-walter-medaillen-ausgezeichnet) [Twelve Talents Awarded Fritz Walter Medals] (in German). [German Football Association](/source/German_Football_Association). 17 October 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.

1. ["Kniat, Corboz, El Mala: Trainer, Spieler und Newcomer der Saison stehen fest"](https://www.dfb.de/news/kniat-corboz-el-mala-trainer-spieler-und-newcomer-der-saison-stehen-fest) [Kniat, Corboz, El Mala: Coach, Player, and Newcomer of the Season announced]. [German Football Association](/source/German_Football_Association). 12 May 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.

1. ["2025 Under-19 EURO finals top scorers: Said El Mala, Pablo Garcia, Max Moerstedt, Kees Smit"](https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/029a-1e0f2ff9cffc-02936a3585ab-1000--2025-under-19-euro-finals-top-scorers-said-el-mala-pablo-/). [UEFA](/source/UEFA). 26 June 2025. Retrieved 28 June 2025.

1. ["2025 Under-19 EURO Team of the Tournament"](https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/029a-1e1d7bac3df2-08e048b3f5e7-1000--2025-under-19-euro-team-of-the-tournament/). [UEFA](/source/UEFA). 29 June 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2025.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Said El Mala](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Said_El_Mala) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Said_El_Mala?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.