Courted by Morocco, 17-year-old talent ultimately chooses Germany’s U21s
Having been reported close to joining Morocco over the summer, Wael Mohya has joined Germany’s U21s. At just 17, the Borussia Mönchengladbach attacking midfielder has been promoted straight to the U21s following discussions between his family and coach Antonio Di Salvo.
In July, Bild claimed that Wael Mohya was close to leaving Germany’s national teams to represent Morocco. Very concrete discussions were reportedly underway with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. The Rheinische Post, however, disputed that a final decision had been made and said the player still wanted to take his time.
On Bladi.net : Ebnoutalib turns his back on Morocco, Ouahbi responds sharply
Two months later, Mohya accepted Germany’s call-up. Antonio Di Salvo named him among the seven new players called up for the final qualifying matches for the 2027 U21 European Championship, the German Football Association confirms.
The squad will play three matches against Latvia, Malta and Georgia. Germany won the first 4-0 on Saturday in Riga. Mohya did not come on and will have to wait a little longer to play his first minutes for Germany’s U21s.
According to GladbachLive, the call-up was preceded by discussions between the player’s family and Antonio Di Salvo. The German coach secured his agreement as the Moroccan federation was also trying to persuade him.
At 17, straight into the U21s
Born on 31 December 2008 in Mettmann to Moroccan parents, Wael Mohya had already worn the German shirt at U16, U17 and U18 level. His most recent appearance was in November 2025 against Denmark, a match in which he scored. He subsequently declined further call-ups, fuelling speculation that he was moving closer to Morocco.
His direct promotion to the U21s marks a spectacular leap forward. The attacking midfielder is playing alongside teammates sometimes four years older than him and is already on the threshold of Germany’s senior national team.
This promotion is based on his performances for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Last season, Mohya became the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history when he scored against Bayern Munich. He was then 17 and also ranked among the three youngest goalscorers in Bundesliga history.
The player is now established in Gladbach’s first-team rotation. He has featured in the first four Bundesliga matchdays this season, according to the official German league statistics.
This call-up does not legally prevent him from representing Morocco at senior level one day. However, it gives Germany a head start in a case that recalls that of Younes Ebnoutalib, who has also been sought by both federations.
On Bladi.net : “ When Klopp calls you, you have to go”: Ebnoutalib explains why he turned down Morocco
Wael Mohya can now aim to play his first minutes for the U21s on Wednesday against Malta, then on 6 October against Georgia. Two more opportunities for Germany to establish the 17-year-old talent as a lasting part of its national-team pathway.
