Malek El Mala

Malek El Mala (born 2 April 2005) is a German professional footballer who plays as striker for Regionalliga West club 1. FC Köln II.

Early life El Mala was born in Krefeld, Germany. His mother Sabrina, is German, and his father Mohammed, is Lebanese. Both work at Düsseldorf-based consumer goods company Henkel. His father played as a centre-back for in Krefeld.

Club career El Mala began playing football with Linner SV, where his father had also played, remaining at the club until the under-11 level. He later joined the youth academy of Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he remained until his release at age 14. He debuted with them in a 5–3 loss in a 3. Liga match against Preußen Münster on 27 April 2024. On 26 June 2024, El Mala signed a contract with 1. FC Köln; however, due to the club's transfer ban, he remained on loan at Viktoria Köln for the 2024–25 season. On 19 July 2025, his contract was extended until 2030. After returning from injury, El Mala played two more games, finishing the season with 13 appearances. In May 2024, he was called up to the Germany national under-19 team for a friendly against Denmark, and made his appearance as a half-time substitute in a 5–1 defeat.

Style of play Originally a centre-back, El Mala converted to a striker with Viktoria Köln's under-19s in early 2024.

Career statistics

Honours Viktoria Köln Middle Rhine Cup: 2025