Malek El Mala


Malek El Mala 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. El Mala's younger brother, Said, is also a professional footballer.

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. El Mala then joined TSV Meerbusch, before moving to Viktoria Köln in 2023.
On 19 February 2024, he signed his first professional contract with Viktoria Köln. 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.

International career

Born in Germany, El Mala is of Lebanese descent through his father. 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.

Honours

Viktoria Köln