Said El Mala


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

Club career

El Mala began playing football with Linner SV, where his father had also played, joining the club on 30 March 2012 and playing until the under-11 level. He then spent a brief period with KFC Uerdingen 05 during the U11 season, before joining 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, El Mala signed his first professional contract with Viktoria Köln. 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; however, due to the club's transfer ban, he remained on loan at Viktoria Köln for the 2024–25 season. After scoring 13 goals in 32 games, he was named the 2024–25 3. Liga Newcomer of the Season.
On 19 July 2025, El Mala's contract was extended until 2030. He scored his first Bundesliga goal on 31 August 2025, in Köln's 4–1 home win against SC Freiburg.

International career

Born in Germany, El Mala is of Lebanese descent through his father. He 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, replacing in the 60th minute.
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.
El Mala received his first senior call-up from coach Julian Nagelsmann for the final two matches of Germany's 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Luxembourg and Slovakia.

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. Analysts have noted his strong acceleration, confident one-on-one play, and composed finishing.

Honours

Viktoria Köln
Individual