Eligible for three major countries on the world footballing map, Ismael Saibari is now considered to be the future of the Moroccan national team... and perhaps even the present. A young talent with a wealth of experience, who's already making a name for himself on the big stage.
Ismael Saibari, finally the year of blossoming?
A revelation at the start of the European season, Ismael Saibari has made a name for himself at the heart of PSV Eindhoven's Champions League qualifying play-offs. Having already made a name for himself at the start of last season, he was finally reunited with the club's youngsters in the reserves.But the season of blossoming may not be far off when the time comes to take stock at the end of the year. Saibari helped his team reach the final phase of the UEFA Champions League with a series of fine performances and goals.
Saibari, een baller extraordinaire 🤌#PSV pic.twitter.com/VL0bcxY9jy
— Reza Athar (@reza_athar) August 31, 2023
Whether through his running, his volume of play or his passing, the Dutch club's number 34 is unstoppable.After a handful of appearances last season, which even earned him a call-up from... Roberto Martinez, he was subsequently hampered by a lengthy injury. However, he was able to announce his capabilities at the U23 AFCON, which he won with Morocco last July.
In fact, the new Moroccan international has always worn the Atlas Lions' jersey, even in his youth. Despite being born in Spain and raised in Belgium, he symbolizes the Moroccan diaspora, especially as he plays in the Netherlands.The Moroccan national team was a definitive choice for him, as he made clear to the former Belgium coach who was interested in him.
Saibari sacked from Anderlecht in 2015
Six years after his birth, his parents left Spain for Belgium. It was here that Ismael Saibari pursued his passion for soccer, joining various training centers during his teenage years. Expelled from the Anderlecht academy in 2015 for being overweight, the 14-year-old began to doubt himself."Ismael was indeed rather heavy and lacked substance.But at Genk, he started working very hard," explained former footballer Kevin van Dessel, who worked as youth coach with Saibari at Genk between 2017 and 2020. His career then took a new turn at Genk, where he signed pro and made his UEFA Youth League debut.
Long followed by PSV, Ismael Saibari decided to leave his adopted country and move to the border country. Now, at the age of 22, he is expected to take part in the Champions League and be called up for the Moroccan senior team for the first time. He'll be up against some great competition at club and international level, but his versatility and style of play with and without the ball could make him a key player throughout the season.
🎙️ ISMAEL SAIBARI AU MICRO DE LA FRMF :
Très bonne ambiance au sein d’équipe nationale, Je suis très heureux de faire partie du groupe. 🇲🇦💫 pic.twitter.com/NT9825xYQE
— MAROCFOOT 🇲🇦 (@MarocFoot22) September 4, 2023
