Saïd El Mala

Said El Mala (; born 26 August 2006) is a German professional footballer who plays as winger for club 1. FC Köln.

Early life El Mala was born on 26 August 2006 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. and playing until the under-11 level. before joining the youth academy of Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he remained until his release at age 14. He made his senior debut two days later in a 3. Liga match against 1. FC Saarbrücken. On 26 June 2024, he signed a contract with 1. FC Köln; After scoring 13 goals in 32 games, he was named the 2024–25 3. Liga Newcomer of the Season.

1. FC Köln On 19 July 2025, El Mala's contract was extended until 2030. He scored his first Bundesliga goal on 31 August 2025, in a 4–1 home win against SC Freiburg. On 21 March 2026, he scored his tenth league goal of the season in a 3–3 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach, becoming only the fourth teenager in Köln's history, after Lukas Podolski, Pierre Littbarski, and Dieter Müller, to reach ten league goals for the club. He was the second youngest of the four.

On 12 April, El Mala scored his first penalty in a 3–1 win over Werder Bremen, bringing his league tally to 11 goals. He scored again on the final matchday in a 5–1 loss to Bayern Munich, after a solo run of more than 60 metres. He finished the 2025–26 season with 13 goals and five assists, making an appearance in all 34 matchdays. Later that year, on 20 August, he extended his contract until 2031 and switched to the number 10 shirt, last worn by Lukas Podolski at the club.

International career Youth El Mala received his first call-up to the Germany national under-18 team in May 2024, making his debut in a friendly against Denmark on 22 May 2024. In May 2025, he was called up to the Germany under-19 squad for the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, scoring a late winner against Norway to help Germany reach the semi-finals.

On 5 September 2025, El Mala made his debut for the under-21 side, and went on to appear in the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification. On 31 March 2026, he scored his maiden goal for the under-21 side in a 2–0 away win against Greece in the qualifiers, dedicating his goal to his late grandmother who had passed away a few days prior.

Senior El Mala received his first senior call-up from Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for the final two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Luxembourg and Slovakia. He remained an unused substitute against Luxembourg and was subsequently released to the under-21 team. Despite scoring 13 goals and providing five assists during the 2025–26 season, he was not selected for Germany's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. Style of play El Mala is a versatile winger known for his pace, dribbling, and direct attacking style. He often cuts inside from wide positions to create or finish scoring opportunities. He has also been noted for his acceleration, one-on-one ability, and finishing, as well as his long-range shooting and ability to score individual goals.

Career statistics

Honours Viktoria Köln Middle Rhine Cup: 2025

Individual Fritz Walter Medal U19 Silver: 2025 3. Liga Newcomer of the Season: 2024–25 UEFA European Under-19 Championship top scorer: 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2025