Legionnaire Mustapha

Ready for a big coup after a period of suffering

In top form: Marlon Mustapha (right)(Bild: Fortuna Düssledorf)

Numerous injuries and a spell with the army threw him off track - but now Düsseldorf legionnaire Marlon Mustapha has made an impressive comeback. The ex-Admiran scored on his starting eleven debut in the second German league and is now aiming for promotion with Fortuna. He is also the only Austrian to feature in the DFB Cup. In which he invites Xabi Alonso's squad to the derby dance on April 4. Despite court proceedings, the Viennese still dreams of playing for the national team...

At the beginning of January, he decided in favor of his career - and against being called up by the Austrian army. Which, of course, made waves in the media beyond the country's borders. Now Marlon Mustapha has made sporting headlines - and positive ones at that! In his side's 4-0 win over Osnabrück in the second German league, the Viennese was back in the starting eleven for the first time in two and a half years (last game in an Admira shirt on May 22, 2022 against LASK) and scored his second goal of the season. "After so many setbacks and injuries, that was of course simply overwhelming," said a beaming Mustapha.

Mustapha (left) found his feet in Düsseldorf(Bild: Fortuna Düssledorf)

Why was he not initially considered by coach Daniel Thioune? "Because I only joined in the winter and didn't have much time to get going. What's more, the team was already well established," explains the striker. "You just have to be patient and take your chance when it comes." And he did with flying colors!

Sensation in the Cup
The Como loanee has caught the scent and is reaching for the stars with Fortuna. "Even if you shouldn't say it, but of course there's a chance of promotion." Not a bad one! In the table, they are one point behind the relegation place and Hamburg, six points behind second-placed Kiel. On top of that, they are also in the DFB Cup, where Düsseldorf will face Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen in the semi-final derby on April 3. Incidentally, Mustapha is the only Austrian still represented in the current competition. "The cup has its own laws!" Oh well! Three euros in the piggy bank, Mr. Mustapha. Marlon grins: "We all know that Leverkusen are currently the best team in Germany, but we're not going to hide. We have nothing to lose against them..."

Marlon (left) has his smile back(Bild: Fortuna Düssledorf)

Marlon in court already! While the goalgetter concentrates on sport, the trial against the 22-year-old for draft evasion is in full swing. Star lawyer Florian Höllwarth is supporting Mustapha and has taken on the case. Who knows - maybe there will be a happy ending and Mustapha will be called up to the national team after all. Team boss Rangnick is currently short of strikers. The national team will always be an issue. Even if the current situation is a little tense, it is still my dream to represent my home country at international level."