Ellyes Skhiri
The Tunisian international who returned to 1. FC Köln after a spell at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ellyes Joris Skhiri is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln. Born in France, he represents the Tunisia national team. Skhiri began his professional career at Montpellier, making his Ligue 1 debut in March 2015. After four years at 1. FC Köln, he joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a four-year contract in July 2023, scoring his first goal for the club in a Conference League play-off win over Levski Sofia. In August 2026, he returned to 1. FC Köln on a two-year deal.
- Nationality
- Tunisian
- Position
- Defensive Midfielder / Central Midfielder
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Skhiri's path to the Bundesliga began in the youth system of Montpellier HSC. He made his Ligue 1 debut on 21 March 2015, replacing Paul Lasne in stoppage time during a 1–0 away defeat to Evian Thonon Gaillard. On 29 July 2019, he joined 1. FC Köln on a four-year deal. A standout moment came on 28 November 2020, when 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. A month later, on 31 August, he scored his first goal in a 2–0 win over Levski Sofia in the 2023–24 Conference League play-off round second leg, which qualified his club to the group phase. 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
Ellyes Skhiri operates primarily as a defensive midfielder. He was born in France to a Tunisian father and French mother. He made his senior debut for Tunisia in a friendly 1–0 win over Iran on 23 March 2018. He was named in Tunisia's 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and was part of the national team that reached the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. In November 2022, he was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Skhiri was also called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He won the Tunisian Footballer of the Year award in 2021.
Did You Know?
- Skhiri made his Ligue 1 debut on 21 March 2015, replacing Paul Lasne in stoppage time in a 1–0 away defeat to Evian Thonon Gaillard.
- On 28 November 2020, he scored a brace in a 2–1 away win over Borussia Dortmund.
- He scored his first goal for Eintracht Frankfurt on 31 August 2023 in a 2–0 win over Levski Sofia in the Conference League play-off round second leg.
- Skhiri was named in Tunisia's 23-man squad for both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
- He won the Tunisian Footballer of the Year award in 2021.
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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