By Paul Gorgas
Hertha’s Nader El-Jindaoui (26) made his professional team debut at the Wörthersee Cup. Now the U23 attacker wants more: El-Jindaoui wants to play in the Bundesliga.
The Internet star has 1.8 million fans on Instagram (Hertha only 260,000 followers) and is popular for video insights into his private life. At the U23 games, children who only watch because of him cheer him on.
Now El-Jindaoui is sharing against envious people on the social media platform: “Let’s see what they say if we make it to the Bundesliga. We are far from finished, the journey is just beginning.”
At the same time, the left foot defends himself against the accusation that he is primarily an internet celebrity: “I’m not an influencer, I’m a footballer who shares his life. I’ve been fighting for it my whole life!”
Does El-Jindaoui have what it takes to become a Bundesliga professional?
Coach Sandro Schwarz (44) on the debutant: “He showed decent approaches on offense and had a few good deep runs. That was okay.”
El-Jindaoui’s main strength is his one-on-one technique. Since moving to Hertha in the summer, he has scored four goals in eleven regional league games. However, Nader’s career has never taken him beyond the 4th division.
With the professionals, the right winger would have overwhelming competition on the wings. There is no getting past top scorer Dodi Lukebakio (25), on the left Marco Richter and Chidera Ejuke (both 24) duel for the regular place.
Nevertheless: El-Jindaoui identifies with the club, his goal of appearing in the Olympic Stadium seems authentic. He also has a prominent advocate in cabin boss Kevin-Prince Boateng (35).
Whether the Hertha fans and his Instagram followers will see him at an official professional game has at least become a little more likely.