Lukas Podolski passes iconic number 10 shirt to rising star Said El Mala
Lukas Podolski called 19-year-old Said El Mala to hand over 1. FC Köln’s legendary number 10 jersey, marking the first use of the number since Podolski left in 2012.
Lukas Podolski personally reached out to Said El Mala, the 19-year-old forward who recently renewed his deal with 1. FC Köln through 2031, to officially hand over the club’s famed number 10 jersey. Since Podolski’s departure in 2012, no senior player had been permitted to wear the shirt.
During the call, Podolski made a light-hearted comment about a potential transfer to his former Polish side Górnik Zabrze before stressing the importance of carrying the number with dignity. El Mala responded with a firm commitment to uphold the tradition and highlighted his admiration for Podolski’s style of play. He noted that wearing the number 10 at Köln carries special meaning and said he is eager to continue the legacy.
The exchange was captured in a club video where El Mala spoke about his connection to the legend. This moment signals the club’s confidence in El Mala as its next leading talent.
Why it matters
The jersey handover signals a new era for 1. FC Köln, linking a club legend with its emerging star.
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