What Malek Still Needs to Match Said

Malek El Mala, a talented striker at FC Köln, is currently working to match his younger brother Said El Mala’s success. At 20 years old, Malek has shown great potential in the Regionalliga, having scored four goals in ten appearances this season. Meanwhile, Said, who is 19, has gained significant experience in the Bundesliga, netting three goals and providing one assist in eight matches. His impressive performance led to his choice for the starting lineup against Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal.

Training Insights from Coach Lukas Kwasniok

On October 28, 2025, FC Köln’s coach, Lukas Kwasniok, elevated Malek to participate in the professional training sessions. This move raises questions about the potential for a striking partnership between the El Mala brothers. Kwasniok noted that while Malek has raw talent, he lacks consistent playtime due to previous injuries.

Comparison of Performance

• Said El Mala:
  • Age: 19
  • Appearances: 32 games in the 3. Liga
  • Goals: 3 goals
  • Assists: 1
• Malek El Mala:
  • Age: 20
  • Appearances: 10 games in the Regionalliga
  • Goals: 4 goals

Kwasniok emphasized the difference in their developmental paths, stating, “Said has played an entire season in the 3. Liga, while Malek has only seen 19 appearances.” This disparity has allowed Said to gain a critical edge.

Future Prospects for Malek

The coach believes Malek must consistently play 25 to 30 matches to develop the physical conditions necessary for Bundesliga-level competition. Kwasniok shared his experience in advancing players from the Regionalliga, highlighting that transitioning from the third tier to the Bundesliga is notably challenging.

The Road Ahead

To summarize, Malek El Mala is on a journey to establish himself alongside his brother in the top tier of German football. With continued development in the Regionalliga and a focus on maintaining fitness and consistency, he may soon achieve his goals.