Germany call-up puts Borussia Monchengladbach teenager Wael Mahya beyond Morocco’s reach

Morocco have suffered another setback in their efforts to recruit dual-nationality talent after Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Wael Mahya chose Germany following his first call-up to the senior side by coach Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp announced Germany’s squad on Thursday for their upcoming Nations League matches, with 17-year-old Mahya included among a group of emerging players as part of the manager’s plan to refresh the national team and provide opportunities to younger footballers.

Mahya was born in Mettmann, near Dusseldorf, to Moroccan parents and is regarded as one of the leading prospects in German football. He has attracted attention with Borussia Monchengladbach and scored in consecutive Bundesliga matches despite the club’s difficult start to the season.

Klopp’s influence in Mahya decision

The midfielder’s selection was not unexpected given Klopp’s admiration for his ability, but it represents a disappointment for the Moroccan Football Federation, which had been trying to persuade him to play for the Atlas Lions.

According to a report by Afrik Foot, Morocco manager Mohammed Wahbi’s coaching staff recently contacted Mahya in an attempt to include him in the November camp. The player asked for time to consider his options but did not rule out representing Morocco.

However, indications from those around Mahya suggested he was leaning towards Germany. Klopp then spoke to the teenager personally, explaining his plans and seeking to convince him to begin his international career with Germany.

Mahya’s call-up follows a rapid rise that has also included appearances for Germany’s youth teams. His performances in the Bundesliga, particularly given his age, further strengthened his case for involvement with the senior squad.

Klopp said Mahya’s inclusion reflected a long-term approach to building Germany’s future.

“He is one of those cases where you have to pay close attention. There are not many 17-year-olds currently playing in the Bundesliga, and that in itself is an exceptional achievement. But he is not just playing; he is performing very well,” Klopp said.

“I spoke to him and his family, and we discussed how we want to handle the situation. I am genuinely interested in building the future with these players, including Wael, without making promises or anything like that,” he added, in comments reported by Marca.

Klopp said the camp would give Mahya the chance to experience senior international football and become familiar with the environment.

“We agreed to bring him in mainly so he can have the experience. It is important for him to experience the training himself when he has the opportunity,” he said.

The manager added that Mahya’s future involvement would depend on his performances and conduct on and off the pitch, before joking: “I was not as self-confident as him when I was 17, but I was not as good as him at that age either.”

Second recent setback for Morocco

Mahya’s decision follows the case of Younes Ben Taleb, the Eintracht Frankfurt striker who opted to represent Germany in September after Morocco also tried to recruit him.

Klopp reportedly played an influential role in that decision too. Ben Taleb previously explained his choice by saying: “When Klopp calls you, you have to go.”

Germany face Serbia in the Nations League – Path 1 on 13 November 2026, while Morocco are scheduled to play Niger in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on the same date.