Hugo Ekitiké’s rise in professional football began at Stade de Reims, where his potential was evident during the 2021-22 season. The young forward netted 11 goals and delivered four assists across 26 matches in Ligue 1. His performances caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who secured his services in 2022 on an initial loan before making the move permanent in 2023.
However, transitioning to one of Europe’s elite clubs proved to be a stumbling block for the Frenchman. At PSG, competing for minutes alongside world-class talents like Kylian Mbappé left Ekitiké with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. By the time he departed the Parisian giants, it was clear that a move was necessary to reinvigorate his career. Eintracht Frankfurt offered him that fresh start, initially bringing him in on loan before solidifying the deal in 2024. Since then, Ekitiké has rediscovered his form under coach Dino Toppmöller, amassing six goals and three assists in just 13 appearances across the Bundesliga and Europa League.
Frankfurt’s formula for nurturing talent
Eintracht Frankfurt has built a reputation for cultivating young players and offering a platform for career rejuvenation. Over the years, the club has been a springboard for players like Randal Kolo Muani, Sébastien Haller, and Luka Jović, who all moved on to prominent European teams after excelling in Frankfurt. Established names such as Mario Götze and Sebastian Rode have also rediscovered their form while wearing the club’s colors.
Ekitiké has benefited immensely from this environment. Surrounded by a balanced squad of seasoned professionals and promising youngsters, he has had the opportunity to develop without the intense scrutiny that often accompanies life at bigger clubs. Guidance from teammates like Götze, a former wunderkind himself, has provided Ekitiké with valuable insights into managing expectations and navigating a career trajectory wisely.
At Frankfurt, the emphasis on consistent playing time and tactical fit has been instrumental. Unlike PSG, where competition for places stifled his progress, Frankfurt has provided Ekitiké with the confidence and trust he needs to excel.
Tactical fit: thriving in Toppmöller’s system
Tactically, Frankfurt’s setup under Dino Toppmöller has been ideal for Ekitiké’s strengths. Operating in a 4-4-2 formation, Ekitiké partners effectively with Omar Marmoush, a duo reminiscent of his days at Reims under Óscar García. At Reims, Ekitiké’s mobility and technical ability were utilized in a fluid attacking role, a system that allowed him to flourish.
Frankfurt’s approach to pressing high and exploiting spaces on the counterattack complements Ekitiké’s direct and dynamic style. His current statistics reflect this alignment: 3.61 shot-creating actions, 2.5 successful take-ons, and 2.74 progressive carries per 90 minutes highlight his ability to contribute both as a creator and finisher.
Ekitiké’s evolution has also seen him improve aspects of his game that were previously identified as weaker, such as his aerial presence. With Toppmöller’s guidance, he is refining his skill set while thriving in a system that emphasizes his mobility and technical qualities.
A promising future
Now at 22 years old, Ekitiké has the opportunity to solidify himself as a leading talent in the Bundesliga. With Frankfurt sitting third in the league table and competing in Europe, he is playing an essential role in the team’s success. While interest from larger clubs will undoubtedly come, staying at Frankfurt for a few more years may offer him the best chance to continue developing in a stable environment.
By taking the lessons of his PSG experience to heart, Ekitiké is now proving why he was once considered one of Ligue 1’s brightest young stars. Under Frankfurt’s nurturing system and Toppmöller’s tactical blueprint, he has the tools to reach new heights in his career.
