Younes Ebnoutalib explains why he chose Germany over Morocco

Younes Ebnoutalib chose Germany despite the talks held with Morocco. The young Eintracht Frankfurt forward explained that Jürgen Klopp’s personal intervention played a role in his decision.

The 23-year-old spoke after receiving his first call-up to the Germany national team. Asked about his choice, Ebnoutalib acknowledged that he had been in contact with Moroccan officials.

“There were discussions with Morocco. But when Jürgen Klopp calls, you can’t say no,” he said, in comments reported by Sky Sport Deutschland.

Morocco had indeed made contact

The door was therefore not closed for the Atlas Lions. Ebnoutalib, who was born in Germany to a Moroccan father and a German mother, was eligible to represent either national team. He had already worn Morocco’s shirt at under-15 level.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi had also confirmed that he had spoken with the forward. According to AFP, he explained that he had been monitoring Ebnoutalib since the previous season and had presented him with the Atlas Lions’ project.

Morocco had therefore tried to keep the option of calling up the player open, but Germany accelerated the process after Klopp took charge of the national team.

At the beginning of September, Sky Sport revealed that Klopp had personally spoken with Ebnoutalib during his visit to Eintracht Frankfurt. The Germany coach was then seeking to convince the player to join the national team.

A meteoric rise

The German call-up also rewards a particularly rapid rise. Ebnoutalib was still playing in the Regionalliga, the fourth tier of German football, before moving up several levels and establishing himself in Eintracht’s squad.

His start to the season with Frankfurt accelerated his progress. His performances attracted Klopp’s attention, and he ultimately included him in his first Germany squad. Sky Sport confirmed his call-up on September 17.

Ebnoutalib also revealed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he cites as his footballing role model, according to Sky Sport Deutschland.

After speaking with Morocco, he responded positively to the call from Germany and Jürgen Klopp.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Morocco

Germany

UEFA Nations League A