Younes Ebnoutalib chooses Germany as Morocco closes international recruitment file

Thursday 17 September 2026 - 14:08

Younes Ebnoutalib’s international future has taken a decisive turn. The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has been included in Germany’s squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, bringing to an end the uncertainty over whether he would represent the Mannschaft or Morocco at senior level.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi addressed the decision on Thursday after announcing his squad for the Atlas Lions’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Rather than prolonging the debate, the coach acknowledged Ebnoutalib’s choice and indicated that Morocco would now move forward with its existing pool of forwards.

Morocco had been monitoring Ebnoutalib

Ebnoutalib had emerged as an increasingly notable option for Morocco after establishing himself at Eintracht Frankfurt. Born in Germany to a Moroccan father and a German mother, the striker was eligible to represent both countries and had already been monitored by the Moroccan football authorities. He had also previously been involved with Morocco’s youth setup.

Ouahbi said the Moroccan staff had followed the player since the previous season and had taken steps to present him with the national team’s sporting project. The coach also confirmed that he had personally spoken with Ebnoutalib, while making clear that no guarantees regarding a place in the squad had been offered.

The interest from Morocco came as Ebnoutalib’s profile continued to rise at club level. His performances for Eintracht Frankfurt had attracted attention from both national teams, turning his international eligibility into one of the most closely watched selection issues surrounding the Moroccan squad.

Germany moves first

The situation changed when Jürgen Klopp included Ebnoutalib in his first Germany selection. The forward is among the new faces called up for the Mannschaft’s forthcoming Nations League programme, with Germany scheduled to meet the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24 before facing Greece in Augsburg three days later.

Ebnoutalib’s inclusion effectively settled the immediate question surrounding his international allegiance. His decision also reflects the competitive environment facing dual-national players whose club performances attract attention from more than one national federation.

For Morocco, the episode closes a recruitment process that had been followed closely in recent months. Ouahbi acknowledged that the player had shown qualities capable of earning consideration for the Atlas Lions, while stressing that selection remained based on sporting competition within the squad.

Ouahbi turns the page

With Ebnoutalib opting for Germany, Ouahbi now faces the task of continuing to build his attacking options without the Frankfurt forward. The Moroccan coach has already emphasized competition for places as an important element of his approach to squad selection.

The decision comes as Morocco prepares for its next competitive fixtures against Gabon and Lesotho in the opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Atlas Lions are due to face Gabon in Rabat on September 25 before travelling to Bloemfontein to meet Lesotho on September 29.

For Ebnoutalib, meanwhile, the next step is a first opportunity to work within Germany’s senior international setup. His inclusion gives the 23-year-old forward a new stage on which to continue his rapid rise, while closing one of the more closely followed dual-nationality selection stories surrounding Morocco’s national team.