Ebnoutalib Chooses Germany After Klopp's Call
In the ruthless tug-of-war of international football, sometimes one phone call decides everything. For Ebnoutalib, that call came from Jurgen Klopp – and it changed his career.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has confirmed he will represent Germany at senior level, turning down the chance to play for Morocco, the country of his heritage, after direct contact from the new national team boss.
"There were talks with Morocco. But when Jurgen Klopp calls, you can’t say no,” Ebnoutalib said, laying out the choice in the simplest possible terms.
From Regionalliga to Die Mannschaft
Two years ago, he was grinding away in the Regionalliga with FC Giessen, far from the glare of international football. Now he stands on the brink of a Germany debut. The rise has been sharp, almost surreal.
His explosive start to the season with Eintracht Frankfurt – four goals already – dragged him into the spotlight. Klopp saw it up close during a visit to Eintracht’s training ground earlier this month. The interest quickly turned into action.
The moment the official invitation arrived will stay with the striker. He was on a sports field on his day off when Klopp’s number flashed up on his phone. At first, he thought it might be a casual check-in, nothing more. Then the conversation sank in.
"After the phone call, tears came to my eyes. I thought about where I was just a few years ago and that it's crazy that all the hard work has paid off," he said.
From regional pitches to a Germany call-up under one of the most decorated coaches of his generation – it felt like the payoff to years of quiet work.
Klopp’s Aura Shifts the Room
Ebnoutalib has already joined up with the national team camp, where Klopp’s presence is setting the tone. The striker spoke of an intense atmosphere, a squad immediately tuned in to the demands of a coach whose reputation walks into the room before he does.
"The impression is very positive. He is, of course, someone who brings a great deal of experience and already has a certain presence because of what he has achieved over the years. So, naturally, you have a great deal of respect for him. But he was very nice and very likeable in the conversations,” Ebnoutalib explained.
On the training pitch, Klopp’s identity is unmistakable. High pressing. Relentless energy. Power in every phase.
"He is already very well known for the way he wants to play football. With high pressing, with a lot of energy and power. He has already fired us up. I think that’s what he is known for, that he is very good at reaching people and getting them on board. He has certainly got us in the right mindset," the forward said.
Germany are gearing up for a run of UEFA Nations League fixtures, including a standout clash with the Netherlands. For Ebnoutalib, those games carry extra weight: a first senior cap would officially tie his future to the DFB and seal the decision he has just made.
Between Two Flags
This was not a straightforward choice. Morocco were in the conversation early, and he did speak with national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The emotional pull of his roots was real.
"I spoke with him, but it wasn't an intensive exchange. I love both countries; they are both my countries of origin. I will definitely continue to support Morocco," he said.
Yet once Klopp reached out, the path cleared. The connection with Germany felt immediate, the project under a new coach compelling. And when that project includes a 44-man experimental squad designed to reset and refresh a footballing giant, there is opportunity everywhere.
For Ebnoutalib, that opportunity now wears white and black. The next step is simple and brutal: perform, convince, and turn a phone call from Klopp into a permanent place in Germany’s future.
