Wael Mohia reveals why Jurgen Klopp persuaded him to choose Germany over Morocco

Borussia Monchengladbach teenager Wael Mohia says a conversation with Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp was decisive in his choice to represent the national team rather than Morocco, the country of his parents’ origin.

The 17-year-old told German newspaper Bild that Morocco had made no secret of its interest in selecting him. Both of his parents are Moroccan, meaning the country remains an important part of his family background, and Mohia said he held it in “great respect”.

“Morocco did not hide its interest in having me represent them. My parents are from there, so the country is part of my family, and I have great respect for it,” he said.

However, Mohia explained that Klopp’s approach quickly settled the matter.

“But the way Jurgen Klopp spoke to me meant I did not need to think twice about accepting this invitation,” he added.

The teenager said Klopp’s words made a strong impression and that he was looking forward to working with him on the pitch.

“He convinced me with what he said, and I immediately realised that he is a really great person. I am looking forward to spending the coming period with him on the pitch, and I am convinced that he will also help me develop,” said Mohia.

Mohia’s comments underline the influence of the conversations he held with Klopp before receiving his first call-up to the Germany senior squad. He was included in the squad for the Nations League matches against Serbia and the Netherlands during the current international break.

The player holds both German and Moroccan nationality. He was born and raised in Germany, while his parents have Moroccan roots, placing him on the radar of both football associations before he opted to accept Germany’s invitation following his discussions with Klopp.

Record-breaking start at Borussia Monchengladbach

Mohia is regarded as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young players. He plays for Borussia Monchengladbach and has already entered the club’s history as its youngest player to make an appearance.

He also became the youngest goalscorer in Borussia Monchengladbach’s history when he scored against Bayern Munich last season.

His progress continued during the 2026-2027 campaign. Mohia has scored two goals and provided one assist in his first eight Bundesliga matches, form which helped attract Klopp’s attention and earned him an opportunity with the senior side despite his age.

He previously represented Germany at several youth levels, progressing as far as the Under-21 team before being called into the senior squad.

Mohia was not included in the matchday squad for Germany’s 3-1 victory over Serbia. Klopp nevertheless took him to Belgrade to assess him more closely and introduce him to the national-team environment, although he has yet to make his debut.

Germany now prepare to face the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday. The match is decisive for the national team’s Nations League hopes, with Germany competing with Greece for the group’s second quarter-final place after the Netherlands had largely secured the first.