Why is Morocco's Ismail Saibari Trending?

Ismael Saibari is trending because he has emerged as the breakout star of the 2026 World Cup, leading Morocco to a dramatic victory over the Netherlands and securing their place in the last 16.

The 25-year-old forward cemented his status as a tournament hero by scoring the winning penalty in a shoot-out against the Dutch, sending the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16 where they will face co-hosts Canada. This performance caps off a remarkable group stage in which Saibari scored in all three of Morocco’s matches, including goals against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. His consistency has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi’s early dominance, though Saibari is establishing himself as a new force rather than chasing legacy.

Saibari’s rise is particularly notable given his background. Born in Terrassa, Spain, to Moroccan parents, he holds triple citizenship but chose to represent Morocco. He has spent his entire club career at PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, helping them secure three consecutive Eredivisie titles and the 2023 Dutch Cup. In 142 appearances for PSV, he has scored 42 goals and was recently voted Dutch Player of the Year. His success at the club level has attracted major interest, with Bayern Munich agreed on a fee that could reach €55 million for his transfer next season.

On the international stage, Saibari has been instrumental for Morocco since moving up to the senior team. He earned 12 goals in 33 caps and was part of the squad that won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after Senegal were stripped of it—a decision currently under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Under manager Mohamed Ouahbi, Saibari has become the focal point of Morocco’s attack, combining technical skill with physical resilience. Standing at 1.82 meters, he engaged in intense duels during the match against the Netherlands, sustaining cuts to his head and cheek in separate incidents before delivering the decisive moment in the shoot-out.

His emergence marks a significant shift for Moroccan football, stepping into the spotlight previously held by stars like Brahim Diaz. By matching and potentially exceeding the achievements of the 2022 squad—which reached the semi-finals—Saibari is positioning Morocco as a continued powerhouse in global football.