Schalke’s El-Faouzi chooses Morocco amid Germany interest

Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi has been included in Morocco’s squad for the upcoming international window, appearing to have opted for the North African nation despite recent links with Germany.

Soufiane El-Faouzi against Bayern.

Photo: Alex Grimm / Getty Images.

Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi has been called up by Morocco for the upcoming international window, seemingly ending speculation over a possible future with Germany.

The 24-year-old was recently considered a potential surprise candidate for new Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp's first squad. El-Faouzi, who was born in Siegen and holds both German and Moroccan citizenship, has instead been included in Morocco's 29-man squad.

The midfielder already made his Morocco debut in May, featuring in a 5-0 friendly win over Burundi. However, because it was only a friendly, he had remained eligible to switch to Germany. A competitive appearance against Gabon or Lesotho would end that possibility.

Morocco will face Gabon on September 25 and Lesotho four days later in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. A friendly against Ghana will follow on October 4.

El-Faouzi has become an important player for Schalke since joining the club in summer 2025 and was reportedly among the dual nationals Klopp's Germany staff had been monitoring.

Meanwhile, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has also spoken about Younes Ebnoutalib, who accepted an invitation from Klopp and is expected to represent Germany. Ouahbi said Morocco had monitored the Eintracht Frankfurt striker since last season and that he had personally explained the country's project to the player.

The coach added that Ebnoutalib had made his decision and that Morocco would now move forward.