Jessic Ngankam: Who is Eintracht Frankfurt's new German forward?
After more than 15 years with Hertha Berlin, Jessic Ngankam has joined Eintracht Frankfurt. bundesliga.com has the lowdown on the talented German youngster...
Stats correct as of 14 July 2023
Age: 22 (born 20 July, 2000)
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Position: Striker
Country: Germany (Five U21 caps/one goal)
Key stats
Having spent 17 years at Hertha, Berlin-native Ngankam signed terms with Frankfurt in July 2023 after making 37 first team appearances and scoring six times for his boyhood club. Ngankam won the German U19 title in 2018 and was the league's top scorer with 25 goals in 21 games a year later.
After progressing through the ranks, Ngankam made his professional debut on 16 May 2020 - coming on as a 79th-minute win in the 3-0 win over Hoffenheim on Matchday 26 of the 2019/20 campaign. He made four appearances in total that term and registered a first senior goal the following season, finding the back of the net at the home of champions Bayern Munich less than a minute after climbing off the bench. His strike made it 3-3 at the time, before Robert Lewandowski clinched a dramatic 93rd-minute winner in an instant classic.
Watch: Ngankam scores first senior goal in 4-3 classic at Bayern Munich
A loan spell with Greuther Fürth came in 2021/22, with Ngankam registering two goals in six Bundesliga appearances for the Clover Leaves. Ngankam delivered a further four top-flight strikes in 2022/23, but wasn't able to prevent Hertha from succumbing to relegation to the top tier. Having previously represented Germany at U17 and U18 levels, Ngankam graduated to the U21 side and featured in all three of his country's matches at the 2023 U21 Euros, but was unable to help Germany defend their title. Within a fortnight of the tournament, Frankfurt made their move and snapped up the young striker on a five-year contract.
Plays a bit like: Randal Kolo Muani
Long-limbed, strong, constantly taking on opposition defenders at a rapid pace, and ruthless in front of goal - Frankfurt fans will recognise those qualities in their stellar France forward Randal Kolo Muani. At 5'11", Ngankam is three inches shorter than Kolo Muani, but instead is more barrel-chested - a similar trait as his Germany U21 strike partner, Youssoufa Moukoko.
Like new teammate Kolo Muani, Ngankam can also operate from either flank or through the middle in attack. The Eagles faithful will be hoping their new German talent can similarly soar at the Deutsche Bank Park.
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Did you know?
Ngankam isn't the only striker in his family. His older brother Roussel also came through the youth ranks at Hertha and was on the books of Nuremberg before a stint in Romania with FC Botosani. Most recently, Roussel was with Wattenscheid 09 in Germany's fifth-tier and he also represented Germany's youth teams 14 times, scoring six times.
What they're saying
“As a young player who is capable of improving and who possesses great potential, Jessic fits our strategy perfectly... Jessic is a player with a great deal of passion and power. We firmly believe he’s the perfect fit for our team and our club.” - Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche
“The lad plays with freedom. He has the quality and now he’s showing efficiency. He’s scoring goals and showing the way. He is a strong player, but there is a lot more to come. We’re still not seeing the best Jessic.” - Hertha legend Kevin-Prince Boateng on his former teammate
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