Ellyes Skhiri
Tunisian international defensive midfielder for 1. FC Köln.
Ellyes Joris Skhiri (Arabic: إلياس السخيري; born 10 May 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln. Born in France, he plays for the Tunisia national team.
- Nationality
- Tunisian
- Position
- Defensive Midfielder / Central Midfielder
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Skhiri is a youth product of Montpellier HSC. He made his Ligue 1 debut on 21 March 2015 against Evian Thonon Gaillard. On 29 July 2019, he joined 1. FC Köln on a four-year deal. On 28 November 2020, he scored a brace in a 2–1 away win over Borussia Dortmund. On 5 July 2023, Skhiri signed a four-year contract with Eintracht Frankfurt. On 31 August 2023, he scored his first goal for Frankfurt in a 2–0 win over Levski Sofia in the 2023–24 Conference League play-off round second leg. On 21 August 2026, Skhiri rejoined 1. FC Köln, signing a two-year contract.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the pitch at the Deutsche Bank Park as the clock ticked past the eightieth minute. The score was level, and the crowd's roar was a physical weight pressing down on the players. Ellyes Skhiri wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on the opposition's playmaker. In a split second, he intercepted a lazy pass, shielding the ball with his body before turning and spotting a gap in the defense. With a burst of speed that belied the fatigue of ninety minutes, he drove forward, threading a perfect through-ball to set up the decisive moment.
Reader's Guide
Skhiri plays as a defensive midfielder. He made his senior debut for Tunisia on 23 March 2018 in a 1–0 win over Iran. He was part of Tunisia's 2018 World Cup squad, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (where Tunisia reached the semi-finals), the 2022 World Cup, and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Did You Know?
- Skhiri was born in France to a Tunisian father and French mother.
- He was named Tunisian Footballer of the Year in 2021.
- He scored a brace against Borussia Dortmund in a 2–1 away win on 28 November 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ellyes Skhiri?
He is a Tunisian international footballer who joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Lille to bolster the midfield unit. Wearing number 15, he serves as a pivotal defensive anchor for the team.
What position does Skhiri play?
Skhiri operates primarily as a defensive or central midfielder responsible for breaking up opposition attacks. He also plays a vital role in initiating build-up play from deep positions on the pitch.
Which club did he transfer from?
Before arriving at Frankfurt, Skhiri played professionally for LOSC Lille in France. His move to Germany occurred during the summer of 2023 to bring experience to the squad.
What are his main playing strengths?
He is renowned for his tenacity in ball-winning situations and his ability to distribute the ball under pressure. His tactical intelligence allows him to control the tempo of matches effectively.
Why does he matter to Eintracht Frankfurt?
Skhiri provides essential stability between the defense and attack, reflecting the club's fighting spirit. His presence ensures the team maintains structural integrity when facing strong opponents.
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