El-Faouzi's Rise at Schalke 04

Soufiane El-Faouzi has firmly established himself as one of the key players at FC Schalke 04, particularly after an impressive season that saw the team rise back to the Bundesliga. Under the guidance of coach Miron Muslic, the 24-year-old has secured his position in the central midfield, becoming an integral part of the team's dynamic. Given his remarkable performances, it comes as no surprise that his name has been in discussions regarding a potential call-up to the German national team. However, despite the anticipation surrounding his inclusion in Jürgen Klopp's extensive squad, El-Faouzi's name was conspicuously absent.

Choosing Morocco Over Germany

Following a recent goalless draw against newly promoted Elversberg, El-Faouzi shed light on his situation concerning national team selection. When asked if he had been in direct contact with the new national coach, he candidly replied, "Not directly." While it was still legally possible for him to switch federations, El-Faouzi had already made a heartfelt decision: he will be donning the jersey of the Moroccan national team. Earlier this year, he made his debut for Morocco during a 5-0 victory against Burundi, an experience that left a lasting impression on him. Although he narrowly missed the final cut for the World Cup squad last summer, the experience was invaluable. "It was a friendly match, but I enjoyed it very much, and I had a great connection with the coach," he reflected while speaking into the Sky microphone. He expressed his excitement about the incredible talent in the Moroccan squad, noting that he looks forward to playing alongside stars like Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich's new signing Ismael Saibari. "The last two World Cups showcased Morocco's strength. The nation is gradually making strides, and I'm eager to be a part of that journey," El-Faouzi emphasized.

As the German national team competes in the Nations League, El-Faouzi will be focusing on the qualification rounds for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will take place across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Morocco is set to face Gabon on September 25 and Lesotho on September 29. For the ambitious Schalke midfielder, this represents the perfect opportunity to cement his place in the team: "There’s a lot at stake, and I’m excited to earn my chances to play."

As reported by 90min.de.