FC extend with U17 World Cup winner Harchaoui
FC have extended the contract of academy talent, Fayssal Harchaoui. The 18-year-old midfielder was part of the Germany under-17 side that were crowned European and World champions last year.
FC Managing Director, Christian Keller said: “We are really pleased that Fayssal sees his long-term sporting future at FC and that he’ll be taking the next steps in development together with us. Fayssal is not just a very talented player but also a very reflected, grounded and confident character. That is a good base to grow into a professional footballer here. We’ll continue to do our best to challenge and promote Fayssal on his path.”
Fayssal Harchaoui said: “I’m a Kölner and, for me, there is nothing better than to play for this huge club. I want to repay the faith shown in me with strong performances and good development. The past year and the two international titles were fantastic for me and gave me a real boost. I want to move step for step towards the first-team. My dream is to play in the RheinEnergieSTADION someday in front of so many fans and I’ll do everything to make that happen.”
Fayssal Harchaoui was born on 15th January 2006 in Bergheim. In summer 2019, he made the move from SC West to 1. FC Köln’s academy. In the past season, he made 17 appearances in the A-Junioren-Bundesliga West, scoring one goal. He also made two appearances in the DFB-Pokal der Junioren.
His biggest success thus far came last year, as he won the under-17 European Championship and World Cup with Germany. Harchaoui was one of the important figures in the under-17 side and went unbeaten in both tournaments. After an exciting final, Germany beat France 4:3 on penalties as Harchaoui converted from the spot.