Latest news with #IsmaelSaibari
Ya Biladi
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Dropped for weight, battling to walk : The resilience of football star Ismael Saibari
Moroccan international Ismael Saibari is finally reaping the rewards of his hard work. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder recently clinched the Eredivisie title with his club, PSV Eindhoven, following a 3–1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam. He ended the 2024–25 season with an impressive tally of 11 goals and 11 assists. His stellar performance has made him one of the standout players in Dutch football and earned him a nomination for Player of the Year. Saibari is also attracting interest from several clubs, which could see him leave PSV this summer. But before reaching this level, Saibari—born in Spain to a humble Moroccan family—had to overcome many challenges to make it to the spotlight and fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer. Struggling to make his first steps In a candid interview with Swedish sports media outlet Wenström Television, Saibari recalled his early struggles—ones that had little to do with football and more with learning to walk. Saibari struggled to take his first steps at the age of two due to a congenital condition. «Maybe I couldn't walk properly for the rest of my life», he recalled. «But we are Muslims, and we really believe in God, so my mother just prayed for me—that I could just have a normal life, you know». To correct the condition, Saibari had to wear a special orthopedic device for over a year to keep his feet straight and help him walk. «It wasn't even about becoming a football player or anything like that», he said. «That machine helped. It's a sort of device that helps little babies walk straight. And yeah, luckily, it worked». His love for football was tested early on. At six, Saibari began playing for a local club in Terrassa, in central-eastern Catalonia, with hopes of one day joining FC Barcelona's famed youth academy. But that dream was cut short by the 2007 economic crisis, which forced his parents to leave Spain and move to Belgium. «They moved to work and give us a better future», he explained. Dropped for being «too fat» In Belgium, Saibari never gave up on his dream. He played for several clubs, including Beerschot in Antwerp and RSC Anderlecht. But at 14, while at Anderlecht, he was unexpectedly released for a reason he still doesn't fully understand. «They told me I was too fat», he said. «I was playing well. I was in a good moment. It was an honor to play there. Then, just one day before the new season started, I got the news. It was really painful». Despite the setback, Saibari had unwavering support from his family. «My parents were there for me. They motivated me and said, 'Look, these are the things that happen in life. You have two choices: either you give up, or you work towards your goal and become a football player.' So I chose the second one». Looking back, Saibari is grateful he stayed the course. One key lesson he draws from his journey is that «sometimes there won't be justice—move on and keep working». He also remembers a moment of poetic justice. While playing for Genk between 2017 and 2020, he recalled, «I scored a beautiful goal, we won that game 4-3, and became champions against Anderlecht». Looking ahead, Saibari dreams of achieving future glory with Morocco's national team, the Atlas Lions. When asked what headline he would most love to see written about him one day, he answered: «Ismael Saibari scores the winner in the World Cup final». «Always dream big», he concluded.
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Moroccan Duo Saibari and Driouech Win Eredivisie Title
PSV Eindhoven's Ismael Saibari and Couhaib Driouech won the 2024–25 Eredivisie title after a 3-1 victory against Sparta Rotterdam The win confirmed PSV as Dutch champions, finishing one point above rivals Ajax in the final standings. It marks Saibari's first league title with the club and PSV's first Eredivisie triumph since 2018. هنيئا لإسماعيل الصباري و صهيب دريوش تتويجهما بالدوري الهولندي الممتاز رفقة فريق بي إس في آيندهوفن Congratulations to Ismael Saibari & Couhaib Driouech 🦁 for winning the Eredivisie title with their club PSV Eindhoven 💪🏻 #DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 — Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) May 18, 2025 What Saibari said Speaking at a press briefing after the match, Saibari reflected on a breakthrough season both individually and collectively. '11 goals and 11 assists — not bad stats, right? It's been a season full of ups and downs, but luckily we finished strongly,' he said. 'We're champions despite being nine points behind with only five matches to go. I was confident Utrecht would beat them (Ajax), and when we drew 1–1 with Sparta, we kept pushing,' he added. 'Sometimes things happen outside of football that are out of your control. I'd like to thank the coach and the club for their constant support and for helping me grow. These are learning moments.' Summer move expected Despite his title-winning campaign, Saibari is expected to leave PSV this summer. According to Eindhovens Dagblad, the club are seeking over €20m for the Moroccan midfielder, with interest from several European clubs. The 24-year-old is one of three high-profile players tipped to depart, alongside Noa Lang and Johan Bakayoko. Saibari is regarded internally as the most valuable asset. Tags: EredivisieIsmael saibariPSV Eindhoven
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Ajax slump sees PSV take lead in Dutch league ahead of final round of matches
Ajax slump sees PSV take lead in Dutch league ahead of final round of matches AMSTERDAM - Ajax Amsterdam relinquished top spot in the Dutch league to PSV Eindhoven on the penultimate match day on Wednesday after they were held to a 2-2 draw following a late equaliser by Groningen. Ajax, who went into Wednesday's fixture one point ahead of PSV, conceded a goal nine minutes into stoppage time at Groningen, meaning they are no longer in pole position going into the final match on Sunday. PSV wrestled back top spot as they ran out comfortable 4-1 home winners against Heracles Almelo with a pair of goals from American Malik Tillman and Morocco international Ismael Saibari. The result catapulted PSV into a one point lead and they will win the league on Sunday if they beat 11th placed Sparta Rotterdam away. Ajax, who finish the season at home to Twente, were nine points clear with nine matches left but have picked up only two points from their last four matches. They were four points ahead of PSV before last weekend's fixtures but suffered a stunning 3-0 home reversal to mid-table NEC Nijmegen. On Wednesday they looked to be keeping their noses in front after Wout Weghorst put them 2-1 up with 20 minutes left but goals from Thijmen Blokzijl and Luciano Valente secured Groningen the win. Ajax, captained by England international Jordan Henderson, had been on the road to redemption after two poor seasons but Wednesday's result means that they are no longer in control of their title hopes. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Ajax slump sees PSV take lead in Dutch league ahead of final round of matches
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Ajax Amsterdam relinquished top spot in the Dutch league to PSV Eindhoven on the penultimate match day on Wednesday after they were held to a 2-2 draw following a late equaliser by Groningen. Ajax, who went into Wednesday's fixture one point ahead of PSV, conceded a goal nine minutes into stoppage time at Groningen, meaning they are no longer in pole position going into the final match on Sunday. PSV wrestled back top spot as they ran out comfortable 4-1 home winners against Heracles Almelo with a pair of goals from American Malik Tillman and Morocco international Ismael Saibari. The result catapulted PSV into a one point lead and they will win the league on Sunday if they beat 11th placed Sparta Rotterdam away. Ajax, who finish the season at home to Twente, were nine points clear with nine matches left but have picked up only two points from their last four matches. They were four points ahead of PSV before last weekend's fixtures but suffered a stunning 3-0 home reversal to mid-table NEC Nijmegen. On Wednesday they looked to be keeping their noses in front after Wout Weghorst put them 2-1 up with 20 minutes left but goals from Thijmen Blokzijl and Luciano Valente secured Groningen the win. Ajax, captained by England international Jordan Henderson, had been on the road to redemption after two poor seasons but Wednesday's result means that they are no longer in control of their title hopes. (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Reuters
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Ajax slump sees PSV take lead in Dutch league ahead of final round of matches
AMSTERDAM, May 14 (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam relinquished top spot in the Dutch league to PSV Eindhoven on the penultimate match day on Wednesday after they were held to a 2-2 draw following a late equaliser by Groningen. Ajax, who went into Wednesday's fixture one point ahead of PSV, conceded a goal nine minutes into stoppage time at Groningen, meaning they are no longer in pole position going into the final match on Sunday. PSV wrestled back top spot as they ran out comfortable 4-1 home winners against Heracles Almelo with a pair of goals from American Malik Tillman and Morocco international Ismael Saibari. The result catapulted PSV into a one point lead and they will win the league on Sunday if they beat 11th placed Sparta Rotterdam away. Ajax, who finish the season at home to Twente, were nine points clear with nine matches left but have picked up only two points from their last four matches. They were four points ahead of PSV before last weekend's fixtures but suffered a stunning 3-0 home reversal to mid-table NEC Nijmegen. On Wednesday they looked to be keeping their noses in front after Wout Weghorst put them 2-1 up with 20 minutes left but goals from Thijmen Blokzijl and Luciano Valente secured Groningen the win. Ajax, captained by England international Jordan Henderson, had been on the road to redemption after two poor seasons but Wednesday's result means that they are no longer in control of their title hopes.
