Morocco: Younes Ebnoutalib called up with Germany, awaiting Ouahbi
Approached by both Morocco and Germany, Younes Ebnoutalib remained very evasive about his choice, just hours before the announcement of Mohamed Ouahbi's list. But before that, the Frankfurt player was called up by Jürgen Klopp this Thursday.
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While the German press is insistently discussing his presence in Jürgen Klopp’s squad, the forward was approached by supporters about his feelings. His reaction, filmed and shared on X, showed him particularly sparing with words, almost uncomfortable when faced with the questions.
Brief answers at first...
After a promising start to the season with Eintracht Francfort (four goals and two assists in as many matches), the 23-year-old player limited himself to minimal responses. Congratulated for his call-up with Germany, he simply replied, “Thank you.” Asked next what excited him most about joining the Mannschaft, his answer was summed up in one word: “Everything.”
This restraint was interpreted by many as yet another sign leaning toward Germany, in a particular context since the striker is on the list published by Klopp this Thursday for the September international break. At the same time, Mohamed Ouahbi also published his own list for the CAN 2027 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, scheduled for September 25 and 29, as well as possible friendlies at the beginning of October.
Then the suspense ends
And now, Younes Ebnoutalib has decided to snub Morocco for Germany. It is therefore the end of hope for the Atlas Lions, who had been successfully recruiting dual nationals in recent years (Brahim Diaz, El Khannouss, Bouaddi…).
The former Moroccan international at U15 level, who had a meeting with the national coach during his European tour in recent weeks, will now wear the German shirt.
Younes Ebnoutalib had, however, repeatedly sent signals towards Morocco in the past: in February, he posted a photo of boots emblazoned with the Moroccan flag colors, before expressing his disappointment in July about not being selected for the 2026 World Cup.
The choice, now made, leaves no more room for ambiguity.