Said Mara has extended his contract with Cologne until 2031 and will wear the number 10 jersey next season.

Cologne announced on Thursday that it has renewed its contract with Said Mara. The new contract extends the original expiry date of 2030 by one year, remaining valid until June 30, 2031.

The official announcement also confirmed that Mara will change his jersey number from 13 to 10 next season. He will become the first player since Lucas Podolski to wear the number 10 jersey.

The 19-year-old Mara came through the youth academy of Victory Cologne and transferred to Cologne in June 2025 for €2.23 million. He mainly plays as a left winger and center forward for Cologne, and has made 36 appearances so far, scoring 13 goals and providing 5 assists.

Following the contract extension, Cologne's general manager Thomas Kessler said, "We are very pleased that Said will remain at Cologne. He made great progress last season, not only establishing himself in the Bundesliga but also becoming an important member of the team through his performance and goals."

"His progress has naturally attracted the attention of other clubs, which is completely understandable. Therefore, it is crucial for us to have an open and trusting conversation with Said and his family about his future competitive prospects. We agree that his potential is far from being fully realized. The Geisbockheim training ground will provide him with an excellent environment for growth and help him move to the next stage of his career."

“Since the start of preseason preparations, Saeed has demonstrated every day with his performance, professionalism, and attitude that he is determined to continue working with the team. We have full confidence in him and firmly believe that he will continue to play an important role in the team.”

Mara also expressed his joy at staying in Cologne: "Since I came here, Cologne has brought me wonderful feelings every day. Therefore, I am happy to come to the Geisbockheim training ground every day. It is very pleasant to work with my teammates and coaching staff, and I have benefited a lot from it."

“My first Bundesliga season with Cologne was very special. Of course, I did think about my future afterward. However, my conversations with the Cologne management, especially Rene and Thomas, went very well; I felt a great deal of trust and respect here. Therefore, I decided to stay. I hope to have a great season with Cologne and the fans. I will give it my all because I know what wearing the number 10 jersey means.”

Image source: Internet/Cologne official website