"I feel at home”: A day in the life of RB Leipzig midfielder El Aynaoui

Moroccan international Neil El Aynaoui has started every Bundesliga and Champions League game since completing his switch from AS Roma to RB Leipzig on the deadline day on an initial loan deal. The 25-year-old midfielder shared his routines in Leipzig in the latest episode of the “Day in Life” series produced by the club.

The tour started with El Aynoaui enjoying his breakfast at home alongside his father Younes, a former top-20 ATP tennis player. He then drove his father's classic car to get to Leipzig's training center in Cottaweg, discussing his adaptation to life in Leipzig on his way to joining his teammates for a training session and recovery work.

“I used to live in the North of France. The life here (in Leipzig) is pretty the same,” the former RC Lens central midfielder said. “The team makes me feel comfortable. Every person who works at the club is honestly top. The facilities and the stadium are top.”

Leipzig coach Martin Demichelis is also new to the club, and El Aynaoui believes the Argentine has helped him to quickly adapt to the surroundings.

“The coach makes me feel at home. I also talked with him before arriving here. My teammates also make me feel at home. It's easier for me," he said.

The 25-time Moroccan international didn't want to pick a specific name when he was asked which player he has a special friendship with. “I'm gonna say the French guys. The guys who speak French."

Photo: RB Leipzig

Where the journey began

“I actually started playing in Spain,” El Aynaoui said, revisiting his early years as a footballer.

“After I went to France, I spent most of my career at Nancy. Then I left for a bigger club in France, Lens, to play in the Champions League and first division.”

El Aynaoui made his first team debut in Ligue 2 for his hometown club before captaining them at the young age in the third tier the following season. Within a matter of months, he replaced Championnat National (the current Ligue 3) with Champions League football after a move to RC Lens.

“I played two years at Lens. It was fantastic and the club is amazing. And we're gonna face them in the Champions League this season. I'm happy to play against them,” El Aynaoui added regarding his second professional club, who are currently in a difficult state after their 9-1 home defeat to Como in the same competition already forced them to a second managerial shake-up.

“Last year, I played in Italy with Roma. And I'm now here,” El Aynaoui said at the end of going over his past clubs before speaking highly of the German mentality. “In France, we say you (Germans) are disciplined. The work rate is very important here, and I like it.”

While he spoke to RB Leipzig's media team on his way to training this time, El Aynaoui revealed that his morning routine usually involves catching up with family over the phone, emphasising the importance of staying in touch with those close to him.

After an intense training session on a sunny day, El Aynaoui completed recovery sessions in the treatment room and Leipzig's gym. 

On this specific day, he took part in a tennis challenge against 2020 US Open winner Dominic Thiem after leaving the training center. His father, Younes El Aynaoui, and Maxime Estève, who also joined RB Leipzig in the summer, accompanied the duo on the tennis court. 

Before preparing to end the day by watching a movie, El Aynaoui dined with his teammate Estève. “I like thrillers. My favorite movie is Shutter Island. I like a movie with a plot twist.” he said about his affection for American films.

Unlike last month, El Aynaoui will spend the international break in Leipzig as he withdrew from Morocco's squad to undergo treatment for a minor calf problem. The Atlas Lions will play against Niger in Casablanca and Rabat in their next two games in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.