For his millions of online followers, Nader El-Jindaoui, now a winger for Hoffenheim U23, is already a familiar face. However, his journey in German football is equally noteworthy. This profile explores the career and unique fame of the internet personality who has returned to play in Germany after a spell in the United States.
Data correct as of 28 June 2025.
Nader El-Jindaoui
- Age: 28 (born 16 November 1996)
- Club: TSG Hoffenheim II
- Position: Winger
- Country: Germany
Key Stats
Focusing on his football career, El-Jindaoui developed in the youth systems of Energie Cottbus and Chemnitz. He has been playing German regional league football since 2016, representing clubs like Babelsberg and Berliner AK, as well as the reserve teams of Greuther Fürth, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Hertha Berlin.
His inclusion in the Hertha ranks was based purely on merit, not his online fame. His attacking performance significantly improved in the 2021/22 season, with 14 goals and ten assists for Berliner AK, helping them finish above Hertha`s reserves in the Northeast Regional League.
Six goals in his first season for Hertha Berlin II in 2022/23, followed by two more in his initial 13 appearances of 2023/24, led to El-Jindaoui`s first inclusion in Hertha`s senior squad in December 2023. He was an unused substitute in a 5-1 victory over Elversberg. Just days later, he made a remarkable debut in a DFB Cup tie against Hamburg. Coming on in the 80th minute with Hertha trailing 1-2, El-Jindaoui played a part in the equalizer that forced extra time. The match ended 3-3, and El-Jindaoui calmly scored in the penalty shootout, helping the Berlin side advance to the quarter-finals.
Only 10 days later, El-Jindaoui made his Bundesliga 2 debut in a goalless draw at home against Osnabrück. This turned out to be his only appearance in the second tier, as he subsequently returned to playing solely for the reserve team for the rest of the 2023/24 season. With his contract expiring in the summer of 2024, El-Jindaoui and his family moved to the United States, where he had trials with LA Galaxy.
These trials resulted in a contract with Ventura County FC, LA Galaxy`s reserve team in the US. El-Jindaoui played 11 matches in the MLS Next Pro League during the 2024/25 season before he and his family decided to return to Germany.
Born in Berlin to Palestinian parents, El-Jindaoui`s online presence is massive. He has gained an impressive four million followers on TikTok alone for his engaging content. Along with his wife Louisa, they run a popular channel featuring their family life with their young daughter and son, which boasts over 2.13 million followers.
Plays a bit like: Leroy Sané
Despite the difference in their career trajectories, El-Jindaoui, who is the same age as the Bayern Munich and Germany star, shares similarities with Sané. Both possess explosive pace, a tendency for direct runs, a clinical finishing ability, and versatility to play across the forward line.
Did you know?
El-Jindaoui`s immense popularity sometimes overshadows his footballing ability. In August 2022, a friendly match between Hertha`s reserves and Tasmania Berlin had to be called off because too many fans were entering the pitch seeking photos and autographs from the newly signed star.
What they`re saying
`Nader is a reflective and motivated player with clear goals. He is technically strong, dynamic in one-on-one situations, and has an exceptional mental willingness to develop further. He enriches our team.`
– Stefan Kleineheismann, Hoffenheim U23 head coach
`If you google me, it says I`m a footballer. That`s how I feel too. I`m a Berlin boy. To be able to make my debut in the city I grew up in is a perfect story. I hope it can give courage to people to never give up on their dreams.`
– El-Jindaoui after making his Hertha Berlin debut against Hamburg in the DFB Cup in December 2023
`When I first heard about it [his social media activity] I wondered what it was all about. I`ve watched him though and he gives everything every day. He gives his life for training. He`s certainly got balls. He just smashed the ball in [for his penalty]. That was great – he deserves respect for that.`
– former Hertha Berlin coach Pal Dardai after the DFB Cup tie against Hamburg
