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Youssoufa Moukoko may be far removed from the dazzling form he once showed with Borussia Dortmund’s youth sides and the German national team, but the striker recently found a reason to celebrate in Denmark.

The 2026 World Cup begins this week, replacing the 2022 edition. Just three and a half years ago, though it feels much longer, Germany crashed out at the group stage in Qatar under Hansi Flick. Pre-tournament debates focused on the rainbow armband, a stunning defeat to Japan followed, and the aftermath included an awkward documentary featuring Flick’s infamous ‘grey geese’ motivational speech.

Still, one bright spot for Germany in Qatar was fielding its youngest-ever World Cup player: Youssoufa Moukoko. Then just 18, the Borussia Dortmund prospect made a brief appearance off the bench. That moment now feels like a distant memory, as Moukoko has been trying to reignite his career at FC Copenhagen—ending a turbulent season on a high.

On the final day of the Danish Superliga season, Moukoko scored a last-gasp backheel goal from five metres out to hand FC Copenhagen a 2-1 victory over Brøndby and secure European qualification. In added time, he struck again to seal a 3-1 triumph, sending Copenhagen into the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League—a feat made possible by the league’s complex format that often confuses foreign fans.

For much of the campaign, FC Copenhagen endured a nightmare run—and Moukoko was struggling too. Having started the season as reigning double winners, expectations were sky-high. The €5 million signing of the German forward made him the club’s third-most expensive player ever. Yet things quickly fell apart. After the main phase, the 12 Superliga teams split into championship and relegation groups, and Copenhagen’s seventh-place finish meant they dropped into the relegation pool for the first time, winning only eight of 22 matches. Moukoko featured in 18 games but scored just three times—a disappointing return for a marquee signing.

“I played badly,” Moukoko admitted. “I know that’s not my level,” he told German outlet kicker last autumn, as Danish papers branded him a “flagrant mis-signing.” What his true level might be is still uncertain. As a youth player, Moukoko stormed through Dortmund’s age groups, convincing many he was a future superstar. But senior football proved a different challenge. The pace advantage he once had disappeared, and his once-deadly finishing touch faded. “My body wasn’t ready for the professional game yet,” he said, acknowledging a series of injuries that stalled his progress.

When fit, he was often limited to short substitute appearances and could not unseat established forwards like Donyell Malen, Sébastien Haller, Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Füllkrug, Maximilian Beier, or Serhou Guirassy. A loan to OGC Nice for the 2024/25 season was meant to rebuild his confidence, but the plan collapsed quickly. From February onward, he was sidelined entirely. “I was poor; you have to say that,” he conceded. Still, Moukoko took positives from his French stint: “Nice was the best thing that could have happened to me,” he said, explaining that the experience taught him patience and gave him a more realistic view of his own performances.

After Nice decided against a permanent move and with no role waiting for him back at Dortmund, Moukoko sought a fresh start. FC Copenhagen might not have been his dream destination, but the Superliga’s slightly lower intensity offered the striker a chance to rebuild. The club’s hierarchy hoped he could rediscover his confidence.

As the team’s struggles deepened, Moukoko wasn’t the only one underperforming. “This is embarrassing and a black day for us,” admitted head coach Jacob Neestrup as Copenhagen slipped into the relegation play-offs. “I am deeply ashamed. This is hell,” added midfielder Thomas Delaney, another ex-Dortmund player. Moukoko became a lightning rod for criticism due to his transfer fee—but then, his form suddenly returned.

Copenhagen ended their worst season in 26 years—but still managed to stay in Europe. In the relegation play-offs, the 21-year-old forward hit six goals in six matches, helping the club top the group and easily avoid relegation. Despite finishing seventh overall—their lowest placing in more than two decades—winning the play-offs granted them a European spot. In the decisive derby against Brøndby, Moukoko netted twice to clinch victory.

“I know I’m going to help this team,” Moukoko had promised back in autumn 2025, and he fulfilled that vow in May. Under contract with FC Copenhagen until 2030, the striker has now silenced transfer rumours that swirled last winter—just as his record as Germany’s youngest World Cup player begins to fade into history.

Youssoufa Moukoko’s 2025/26 season