Younes Ebnoutalib: Who is Eintracht Frankfurt’s new forward?

Having launched himself into the limelight in Bundesliga 2 with Elversberg, Younes Ebnoutalib secured a move to Eintracht Frankfurt. We have the lowdown on the Eagles' new attacking star.

Stats correct as of 30 December 2025

Younes Ebnoutalib

Age: 22
Club: Elversberg (Joins Eintracht Frankfurt on January 1)
Position: Striker
Country: Germany

Key stats

Born in the northwest of Frankfurt, Ebnoutalib has enjoyed a whirlwind year, seeing out 2025 as the leading Bundesliga 2 goalscorer with 12 goals in 17 Hinrunde games. It’s a meteoric rise for the German-Moroccan, who was playing in Germany's fourth tier with Gießen a little over a year ago.

Growing up, Ebnoutalib was an avid street footballer, which is evident by his close control in the penalty box. Spending time in the academies at Rot-Weiss Frankfurt and Wehen Wiesbaden, he packed his bags for Italy where he made his professional debut for Perugia in September 2023, aged 19, gaining invaluable experience in a new culture.

Watch: Younes Ebnoutalib's 2025/26 Bundesliga 2 goals

Returning to his homeland after a six month spell, Ebnoutalib joined Gießen before switching to Elversberg in January 2025. But with Fisnik Asllani in the team, minutes escaped him. His outlook changed when his former teammate returned to Hoffenheim in the summer.

After three substitute appearances, Vincent Wagner awarded the Frankfurt native his first start on Matchday 4, and the forward took his chance with aplomb.

Grabbing the headlines with a brace against Hertha Berlin, Ebnoutalib seized his opportunity handed by Wagner, returning faith shown in him by his coach with braces in three successive Bundesliga 2 games.

The frontman continued to go from strength to strength, scoring his first professional hat-trick on Matchday 9 against Greuther Fürth, showing his clinical edge in front of goal.

Weighing in with 12 goals in 17 games to see out 2025, Ebnoutalib scored the crucial opening goal on five occasions. His rise to prominence naturally attracted interest from Bundesliga clubs, with Frankfurt acting quickest to sign the exciting attacking talent to a long-term contract until 30 June 2031.

About the players

22

Younes

Ebnoutalib

SV Elversberg

Plays a bit like: Miroslav Klose

Ebnoutalib’s style of play closely resembles that of footballing legend Klose. Germany's outright best goalscorer with 71 strikes in 137 international appearances, the former Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich forward didn’t score his first top flight goal until the age of 22, before going on to net 127 Bundesliga goals.

A physical presence at 1.87m, each of Ebnoutalib’s 2025/26 Bundesliga 2 goals came inside the penalty box. Frankfurt’s new signing possesses superb close control, ability to find space and a natural eye for goal with his poacher-like instinct, similar to that of Klose.

Watch: Miroslav Klose - Bundesliga legend

Did you know? 

Ebnoutalib started learning taekwondo at the age of three after his dad, Faissal, won silver at the 2000 Summer Olympics for Germany, but he switched his focus fully towards football at 13.

What they're saying

“It all happened so fast. It feels like a dream. I still can’t quite grasp it, I’m incredibly happy. Playing for your own city is pretty amazing. I’m just so happy.” - Ebnoutalib on signing for Frankfurt

“Younes is a player who’s very dangerous in front of goal with a great physique. He’s taken the next steps in his development at Elversberg over the last few months, and we want to continue that further with him. We’re confident that he’ll quickly be able to help us with his abilities, especially as he has all the athletic requirements.” - Frankfurt’s board member for sport Markus Krösche 

“In Younes Ebnoutalib we’ve signed one of the most exciting German strikers right now. He brings a great work ethic, big physical presence and strength in the box. - Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung

About the clubs

Eintracht Frankfurt

Deutsche Bank Park