Mahmoud Dahoud’s Resurgence at Eintracht Frankfurt

omidbasir- Among the Eintracht Frankfurt players undergoing significant changes this summer, it seemed that former German international Mahmoud Dahoud was facing yet another disappointing chapter in his career. Since his troubled move to Brighton in the summer of 2023, very little has gone in his favor.

The former Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund midfielder struggled to find his footing with the Seagulls, ultimately being sent back to VfB Stuttgart on loan during the latter half of the 2023/24 season. Despite making a notable impact by scoring off the bench, Dahoud was only granted one starting opportunity under head coach Sebastian Hoeneß.

Following the termination of his contract with Brighton after the season, Dahoud joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer in the summer of 2024. In an emotional press conference, he announced his return to the German national framework after a challenging period representing Syria.

Under the guidance of SGE head coach Dino Toppmöller, Dahoud began to receive more regular playing time. Both Toppmöller and sporting director Markus Krösche praised him after an outstanding performance as a starter against VfL Bochum on matchday nine, where he scored a goal and provided an assist, signaling a potential resurgence.

However, this promising performance proved to be a fleeting moment of optimism. Following that match in early November 2024, Dahoud started only twice more in the league, with three brief substitute appearances throughout the entire 2025 calendar year.

After being cleared to leave and failing to make an impact during training camp, Dahoud found himself included in just one of Toppmöller’s initial seven matchday squads this year. To the surprise of many, he emerged as a starting midfielder against Mainz on matchday ten.

Dahoud followed up with another start last weekend against Köln, where he performed admirably in a midfield role. Just before halftime, he scored his 14th career Bundesliga goal, leaving reporters with a sense of déjà vu regarding his previous ups and downs.

Echoing sentiments from just over a year ago, both Krösche and Toppmöller have once again commended Dahoud highly. The question remains whether this latest chapter represents a genuine turning point in his career.

Regardless, it appears that Dahoud will be presented with further opportunities.

“He deserves it because he has simply persevered over the last few months and has always been there for the entire group, despite his difficult circumstances,” Toppmöller remarked in an interview with Sport Bild. “He consistently gave his all in training and never shied away from challenges. He already played well against Mainz, and it was especially gratifying for him to experience this sense of accomplishment.”

Krösche added, “He has encountered setbacks in his career before and has learned to manage them. I believe this experience is beneficial for him. He has always given his best and made himself available. Now, he has been afforded his chance.”

GGFN | Peter Weis