Bayern Munich signs Morocco's World Cup goalscorer...

By Aarav Reddy — 1 July 2026 — 3 min read

Bayern Munich has completed the signing of Ismael Saibari, the Morocco international attacking midfielder. Saibari joins the German club after a six-year period with PSV Eindhoven, where he progressed through their ranks to become a key first-team player.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who has signed a five-year deal with Bayern Munich, was born in Spain and raised in Belgium. He is known for his blend of attacking drive, physical power, and technical quality. His playing style has been compared to that of Jude Bellingham, highlighting his ability to carry the ball through midfield, utilise his athleticism, dribbling, and strength to break defensive lines, and make late runs into the penalty area to create or take scoring opportunities. Saibari’s versatility also allows him to operate as a box-to-box midfielder, an advanced playmaker, or even a false nine.

During his time at PSV Eindhoven, Saibari moved from PSV Jong in the Dutch second tier to an indispensable role in the senior squad. He was recognised with the 2026 Eredivisie Player of the Year award. Saibari contributed to PSV winning three consecutive league titles between 2023 and 2026, achieving double-digit combined goals and assists in each of those campaigns.

International Impact and Personal Journey

Saibari’s strong club performances have translated to success on the international stage with Morocco. He scored three goals during Morocco’s FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage campaign, bringing his international goal tally to 12. He also converted the decisive penalty in a shootout victory against the Netherlands, which secured Morocco’s progression to the last 16 of the tournament.

A particularly poignant moment occurred after Morocco secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Saibari sprinted towards the stands at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico to embrace his mother, who was visibly emotional. This moment, captured and widely shared on social media, resonated with many due to Saibari’s personal history.

Saibari was born with a congenital foot deformity that made walking difficult in his early years. He required a brace-like device to stand and move, and doctors had expressed concerns to his parents that he might never walk properly. Saibari himself recalled in a 2024 interview that his feet were significantly turned inward, necessitating the use of a machine. He did not take his first steps until he was two years old. His mother’s primary wish was for him to have a normal life, rather than specifically becoming a football player. He expressed gratitude for now having normal, healthy feet and a body.

The family’s journey also involved significant moves. Saibari started playing football with local youth teams in Terrassa, Spain. However, the 2007 financial crisis impacted his family, leading them to relocate to Belgium when Saibari was six years old. His father, a goods transporter, feared losing his job, and his mother’s shop alone could not sustain the family.

Tributes and Future Expectations

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund commented on Saibari’s arrival, highlighting his versatility, high intensity, and bold playing style. Freund noted Saibari’s hunger, goal-scoring ability, and mentality as valuable assets for the team, suggesting that players like him are a draw for fans.

PSV head coach Peter Bosz described Saibari as a special person and player, praising his ability to consistently get into scoring positions and combine this with high efficiency. Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui also spoke positively about Saibari, characterising him as disciplined, punctual, and a dedicated professional who trains hard and makes sacrifices.

Saibari wears the No.34 shirt at club level as a tribute to Abdelhak ‘Appie’ Nouri, a former Ajax midfielder whose career ended prematurely due to a cardiac arrest during a 2017 friendly match, resulting in severe brain damage. Morocco is scheduled to face Canada in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 4.