Ismael Saibari’s outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to make headlines in Spain. From *Mundo Deportivo* to *El País*, Spanish media have praised the Moroccan international’s meteoric rise, describing him as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations and a symbol of the new generation of Morocco’s Atlas Lions.
According to *Mundo Deportivo*, the 25-year-old, born in Terrassa, Catalonia, has reached a new level by establishing himself as one of the tournament’s most influential attacking players. His displays have reportedly convinced Bayern Munich to invest €55 million to sign him from PSV Eindhoven. The Catalan newspaper highlights Saibari’s versatility, noting his ability to play in multiple attacking positions thanks to his strength, technical ability, and mobility. After an impressive season in the Netherlands, where he recorded 15 goals and eight assists in the Eredivisie, the Moroccan is now confirming his status on the world stage. Beyond his individual performances, *Mundo Deportivo* sees Saibari as one of the clearest examples of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s successful strategy to attract and develop talented players from the Moroccan diaspora. That approach, the newspaper argues, has enabled Morocco to compete with the world’s top football nations. For its part, *El País* portrays Saibari as a player with an extraordinary journey. The newspaper reveals that he was born with a foot deformity, raising fears that he might never be able to walk normally. Thanks to orthopedic treatment and remarkable determination, he overcame this challenge and fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional footballer. The report also retraces his development in Belgium, where he continued his football education after a spell at Anderlecht before progressing through Mechelen and Genk. His breakthrough at PSV Eindhoven ultimately earned him a move to Bayern Munich. Despite having several international options, Saibari never hesitated about representing Morocco. “Since I was a child, I have always wanted to play for Morocco because my parents are Moroccan. It has always been my dream,” *El País* quotes the player as saying. Spanish media also note that his performances have drawn praise from several leading figures in international football, who have been impressed by his technical quality, vision, and influence in Morocco’s attacking play. Through their analyses, *Mundo Deportivo* and *El País* portray Saibari as a player on a remarkable upward trajectory, destined to become one of the leaders of the Moroccan national team and one of the standout figures in European football in the years ahead.
