UEFA Europa League Rise Up series: The emergence of Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitiké
Friday, February 28, 2025
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"The big games – it's crazy," says Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitiké as he describes his first experiences in the Europa League.
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"This is my first experience of the Europa League. That's what's put the club in the spotlight. The big games – it's crazy. We know it's a competition that's taken seriously here." So says Hugo Ekitiké as he describes his debut season in the UEFA Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Motivated by a desire to make his family proud, Ekitiké has been working hard with the goal of putting smiles on their faces. In the fourth instalment of the Europa League Rise Up series, the Frankfurt striker opens up about his personal journey and the steps he and the 2021/22 winners are making.
"I realise that family is really the most important thing for me, to see them happy," explains the 22-year-old. "That's what drives my life. And why not win the cup with Eintracht Frankfurt as a shared goal? That would be wonderful."
Over the years, the forward has developed into a top young prospect on the European stage. After making his mark on loan from Reims at Danish club Vejle BK, his career took off in France. It was not long before Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain came calling, eager to sign the talented Frenchman.
"I told my brother, I said: 'I want to go there straight away.' That's all I told him. Paris are the biggest club in France, winning everything. They had the best players in the world. My favourite players played there."
Ekitiké's career has not always been a smooth journey, however. Initially, he seemed to adapt well to playing alongside stars such as Lionel Messi and Neymar, making 32 appearances for Paris in 2022/23, his first season at the club. However, his second campaign proved more challenging as his role as a forward became increasingly limited.
"Obviously, in terms of longevity, I'm not going to say that my time in Paris was the happiest moment of my life," he says. "But today, when I look back, I say to myself that maybe it was necessary. I've got so many things ahead of me that I don't regret breaking my back sometimes. It's all part of my journey and I'm proud of it, in any case."
A friend reminds the French marksman that he is currently in the "flow zone". The goal is to remain in this zone, continue working hard, and consistently improve to become the best version of himself.
"The flow zone is a thing between us where we're very much on the psychological and mental side. In this flow zone, nothing can happen to you. I'm always working and challenging myself to stay in the zone."
After leaving Paris in February 2024, Ekitiké found his flow zone again in Frankfurt. Eintracht offered the striker an opportunity to restart his career during the winter transfer window. He made an impressive debut, breathing new life into his game. With 14 goals and four assists in the Bundesliga, he played a key role in helping Frankfurt secure a spot in the Europa League. This season, he continues to excel.
"I can play one game after another," he explains. "We're doing well. They trust me here, so it's wonderful. I feel great. Especially when I play in the Europa League, I feel good. The people here trust me and I just want to help them win. And I don't like to lose."
According to Ekitiké, the Frankfurt fans have been making a significant impact on the team's performances on the pitch, especially in the Europa League. "It's a crazy thing, this stadium. Frankly, they're incredible fans and it makes you want to give it your all. They deserve it and they never give up."
Keep an eye out for more in the Rise Up series.
