Rising Star of Moroccan Football
At just 25 years old, Ismael Saibari has experienced a remarkable journey filled with challenges on his way to what he describes as 'the best moment of my career.' As a standout player for Morocco, Saibari has caught the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, and his impressive performances in the ongoing 2026 World Cup have prompted Bayern Munich to invest a hefty €55 million for his services. With two crucial goals already scored in the tournament, including a stunning strike against Brazil, Saibari has emerged as a key figure for his national team, which is also a strong contender for the title under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Following a recent victory against European opponents, Saibari expressed his joy, stating, 'This is the best moment of my career.' His exceptional contributions during his first World Cup, coupled with an outstanding season at PSV Eindhoven—where he netted 19 goals and provided nine assists across 37 matches, earning him the title of Eredivisie Player of the Year—have all contributed to his meteoric rise in the footballing world.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Saibari's path to success was not without its hurdles. Born in Terrassa, Spain, to Moroccan parents, he faced significant health challenges early in life. As a baby, he was diagnosed with a congenital developmental disorder that initially hindered his ability to stand and walk independently. Doctors were uncertain whether he would ever walk unaided. Thankfully, with the help of orthopedic supports that kept his feet aligned, Saibari took his first steps at the age of two. 'That machine helped me. Luckily it worked, and I could walk. At that moment, it wasn't about becoming a footballer; it was about being able to walk,' he recalled in various interviews.
At just seven years old, Saibari moved to Belgium with his family in search of better living conditions. It was there that he began his footballing journey, joining the youth ranks of Anderlecht, Belgium's most successful club. However, he faced rejection due to his weight, which he described as a painful blow. 'They told me I was fat,' he recalled with frustration. 'I was playing well and felt good. It was an honor to play there, but the day before the new season started, I received the news of my rejection.'
Consequently, Saibari continued his development at Mechelen and Genk, where he thrived and caught the eye of PSV Eindhoven scouts. He made his senior debut with the club in a Europa League match in November 2020 and has since enjoyed a fruitful career, winning several titles and achieving impressive statistics.
Despite being born in Spain and receiving a call from Belgium's national team, Saibari has always been clear about his intentions to represent Morocco, honoring his family's heritage. 'Since I was a child, I always said I wanted to play for Morocco because my parents are from there,' he stated unequivocally. Since his debut in 2023, he has scored 11 goals in 32 appearances for the national team, including victories in crucial tournaments.
With his current form in the World Cup, Saibari remains focused on his team's objectives: 'The most important thing is to get through the group stage and go as far as possible.' As Morocco prepares to face Haiti in Atlanta, the semifinalists from the previous World Cup aim not only to secure their spot in the knockout stages but also to challenge Brazil for the top position in Group C. With Saibari's scoring prowess, their task appears significantly more achievable.
As reported by tycsports.com.
