Schalke’s Soufiane El-Faouzi becomes club’s most valuable player after rapid rise

Soufiane El-Faouzi has become the most highly valued player in Schalke 04’s squad after his market value rose from 9m euros to 12m euros, according to Transfermarkt.

The Morocco attacking midfielder was valued at just 200,000 euros in 2024. His latest increase marks a remarkable rise for a player who has quickly established himself in Germany and earned international recognition.

From amateur football to Schalke

El-Faouzi began his development at Sportfreunde Siegen before joining SC Paderborn 07 in 2020. Two years later, he moved to the reserve side of Fortuna Dusseldorf.

His next stop was Alemannia Aachen, followed by a move to Schalke in 2025 for a fee of about 200,000 euros. Since then, his value has continued to increase, with his performances in the German league playing a significant part in that progression.

Those displays also helped him attract the attention of Morocco, giving him the opportunity to step up to international football.

Established in Schalke’s first team

El-Faouzi has now made 41 appearances for Schalke across all competitions. During that time, he has scored twice and provided five assists.

His growing importance fits with Schalke’s approach of developing promising players in the Bundesliga before potentially selling them for substantial profits in the future. With a valuation of 12m euros, El-Faouzi is already regarded as a major financial asset by the club.

The midfielder’s progress has been particularly striking given the speed of his rise. From a starting value of 200,000 euros in 2024, he has become the highest-valued player at Schalke according to Transfermarkt.

Morocco debut adds another milestone

El-Faouzi was called up by Morocco during the current international break and has already played twice for the national team.

He has yet to score or register an assist for the Atlas Lions, but those appearances represent another significant stage in his career. His journey has taken him from an amateur club through the lower levels of German football to a place in the Morocco squad, while his market value has climbed to 12m euros.

Schalke 04 will soon play their fifth match of the German league season against Freiburg. The match is scheduled to take place with Schalke priced at 5.00 to win, a draw at 4.10 and Freiburg at 1.60.