El Mala joined Koln from Viktoria Koln and spent the entire 2024–25 season out on loan before breaking into the first team. In his debut Bundesliga season, El Mala has played a key role in Koln’s strong start to the 2025–26 campaign, scoring three goals and providing one assist to help the club rise to sixth in the table.
El Mala’s quick feet, decision-making, and ability to drive play through midfield have not only earned him praise in Germany but also attracted attention from Europe’s top clubs. Despite his tall frame, his acceleration and agility allow him to change direction rapidly, making him a difficult opponent for defenders, particularly in one-on-one situations. Operating on the right side of Lukas Kwasniok’s 3-4-3 system, El Mala often drifts inside to find space between the lines while allowing wingback Jakub Kaminski to make overlapping runs to deliver crosses. His movement, timing, and technical skill make him a key figure in Koln’s attack. During counterattacks, he uses his blistering pace to run behind defenders and exploit open spaces.
El Mala’s rapid rise has drawn comparisons to German legend Lukas Podolski, and the youngster is reportedly eyeing the latter's iconic number 10 shirt, which has remained vacant since 2012. His versatility also earned praise from Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany, who says he admires the winger’s dynamic style but urged caution given his limited experience.