Younes Ebnoutalib leaves door open to Morocco or Germany after World Cup disappointment

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib has revealed he is willing to represent either Morocco or Germany after missing out on a place in the Atlas Lions squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 22-year-old admitted he was disappointed not to be selected by Morocco but said his ambition of playing international football remains unchanged as he continues to impress in Germany.

Speaking to Hessenschau, Ebnoutalib reflected on his international future and the frustration of missing football’s biggest tournament.

“The national team is definitely a goal. I’m open to playing for both nations. It was a bit of a shame that Morocco didn’t take me to the World Cup. Ayoube (Amaimouni) was there, though. I was very happy for him.”

Open to a Germany call-up

Ebnoutalib also made it clear he would welcome an approach from Germany should the opportunity arise.

When asked how he would respond if Germany manager Jürgen Klopp contacted him, the striker replied:

“Yes, 100 percent.”

Rise through German football

The forward earned a move to Eintracht Frankfurt after an outstanding first half of the 2025-26 season with SV Elversberg in the 2. Bundesliga.

He scored 12 goals in 17 league appearances before Frankfurt signed him in January 2026 on a contract running until June 2031.

The Bundesliga club reportedly paid an initial €8 million, with the deal potentially rising to €10 million through performance-related add-ons.

Since arriving in Frankfurt, Ebnoutalib has made five Bundesliga appearances and scored his first top-flight goal in a 3-3 draw against Borussia Dortmund.

Focused on earning international recognition

The striker is now determined to establish himself as a regular starter at Eintracht Frankfurt, believing consistent performances at club level will strengthen his case for international selection.

“I’ll give my best, everything I’ve got. I want to help the team by scoring goals. I can hardly wait for the season to start,” Ebnoutalib added.

Whether his future lies with Morocco or Germany, Ebnoutalib hopes a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga will be enough to earn his first senior international call-up.