Moroccan-born 17-year-old could break Germany’s 72-year record against Serbia

On Friday, November 13, Wael Mohya could become Germany’s youngest international since the war. The Borussia Mönchengladbach attacking midfielder will be exactly 17 years and 317 days old when he faces Serbia in Belgrade. He would thus surpass legend Uwe Seeler, who made his debut for the national team on October 16, 1954, at 17 years and 345 days.

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The young German-Moroccan is among the 24 players selected by Jürgen Klopp for the final two Nations League matches. Germany travel to Serbia on Friday before hosting the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday, November 16. An appearance in either match would be enough to give him the record, according to historical statistics presented by Deutsche Welle.

In the entire history of the German national team, only two players made their debuts younger than he would: Willy Baumgärtner, aged 17 years and 104 days in 1908, and Marius Hiller, who was 17 years and 241 days old in 1910. Mohya could therefore become the third-youngest German international of all time.

The call-up rewards his rise at Borussia Mönchengladbach. In December 2025, he became the club’s youngest player to play in a Bundesliga match, at 16 years and 347 days old. A few months later, his goal against Bayern Munich made him the youngest scorer in Borussia’s history. His performances this season convinced Klopp to bring him straight into the senior team after his stint with the under-21s.

Morocco pursued him, but Klopp called him up

Born on December 31, 2008, in Mettmann, near Düsseldorf, Wael Mohya holds German and Moroccan citizenship. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation had opened talks with his entourage in an effort to attract him to the Atlas Lions. The player ultimately accepted the German call-up, having already played for several of the country’s youth teams.

Jürgen Klopp said he had spoken personally with the young talent and his family. The coach particularly appreciates his technical ability and confidence on the pitch. Mohya said he learned about his call-up while at the gym. When he told his parents the news over dinner, they burst into tears.

On Bladi.net : “ When Klopp calls you, you have to go”: Ebnoutalib explains why he turned down Morocco

This move toward the national team is another sporting disappointment for Morocco, which has already faced Younes Ebnoutalib’s decision to represent Germany. However, Mohya’s call-up does not constitute an irreversible decision under FIFA rules. A change of association may still be allowed under certain conditions, even after a first appearance for the senior national team.

For now, Klopp has made no guarantees about playing time for the youngster. The coach will decide on Friday whether to give him his first minutes against Serbia, and will have a second opportunity on Monday against the Netherlands. Mohya will turn 18 on December 31.