Latest news with #Saibari
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
Morocco World
02-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Saibari Set for Big-Money Move as PSV Brace For Key Summer Departures
PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari is expected to headline a trio of summer exits from Eindhoven, with the club looking to cash in on several key players ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Moroccan international has impressed in both the Eredivisie and Champions League this season, attracting scouts from across Europe. PSV reportedly aims to secure 'well over €20 million' for the 23-year-old, who has emerged as one of the side's most consistent performers. According to Eindhovens Dagblad, Saibari is now one of the prime assets the club expects to lose in the summer window, alongside attackers Noa Lang and Johan Bakayoko. All three had previously been valued at a combined €50-70 million, but a dip in form across the squad has lowered expectations. Lang's price has slipped from €30 million to an estimated €20 million, while Bakayoko, despite interest from abroad, could bring in between €20m and €30m – though his contract is due to expire next year, which may complicate negotiations. Saibari, however, remains PSV's most bankable player this summer. The club see his departure as a key opportunity to balance the books and reshape the squad under Peter Bosz. Tags: Ismael saibariPSV Eindhoven
Morocco World
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Ismael Saibari Limps off Injured in PSV Win Over Twente
Moroccan international Ismael Saibari was forced off injured during PSV Eindhoven's 3-1 victory against FC Twente in the Eredivisie on Thursday evening. The 23-year-old midfielder, who started the match, was substituted in the 69th minute after picking up a knock, with Malik Tillman coming on in his place. Speaking post-match, PSV boss Peter Bosz offered a concerning update. 'He twisted his ankle,' Bosz confirmed. 'I saw him walking with crutches after the match, which is never a good sign.' The Dutch manager added: 'It was swollen in the dressing room, but not as badly as I've seen in other cases. We'll need to assess further.' Fans on social media were quick to comment on Saibari's physical condition, with some raising concerns over weight gain. One fan wrote, 'Hope he recovers, but he looks heavier in this photo.' Another added, 'His weight isn't helping him.' Saibari has enjoyed a strong season, featuring in 41 matches across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists. His injury comes at a crucial point as PSV close in on the Eredivisie title. Tags: Ismael saibariMorocco national teamPSVsaibari
Morocco World
14-03-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui Defends Saibari: ‘He's Never Been Late For Morocco'
Walid Regragui has jumped to the defense of Ismael Saibari, after the PSV Eindhoven player was called out for repeatedly showing up late to team meetings. Saibari, 22, has been under fire at his Dutch club for being late, but Regragui insists there's no issue when the midfielder is with the Moroccan national team. 'What happens at his club is different from the national team,' Regragui told reporters in the press conference. 'I know Saibari well — he's disciplined and never late when he's with us.' Regragui said the national team keeps tabs on players even when they're with their clubs. 'If a player messes up, we reach out. But what matters to me is that Saibari is always on time with Morocco,' he said. The coach added that Saibari gives his all, whether starting or coming off the bench. 'He's a pro. He shows up for meetings, trains hard, and I have no problem with him,' Regragui added. PSV's criticism might be a wake-up call. 'Maybe it's the coach's way of pushing him to do better. But Saibari has been in top form lately, and we always remind our players to represent Morocco in the best way.' Saibari, who played a key role in PSV's league run, is set to join the Moroccan squad for World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania on March 21 and 25 in Oujda. Tags: Atlas LionsIsmael saibariMoroccan national teamMoroccoWalid Regragui
