World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s Ismael Saibari
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari has gone from strength to strength at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Successfully translating his outstanding club form with PSV Eindhoven onto the world stage, the versatile attacking midfielder has helped fire the Atlas Lions through to the knockout rounds, getting Bayern Munich fans excited about what he will bring following his transfer to the Allianz Arena.
Name: Ismael Saibari
Club: Bayern Munich
Nation: Morocco
International debut: 12 September 2023
Caps: 35
International goals: 12
Stats correct as of 7 July 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
In what was his third consecutive season in the Dutch Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, Saibari continued his sharp upwards trajectory towards stardom, helping PSV claim a record-equaling 27th league title. The 25-year-old averaged a goal involvement every 93 minutes, netting 15 times and setting up eight in 27 league appearances – a haul for which he was named the Eredivisie’s Player of the Year.
The Moroccan also delivered similarly eye-catching performances on the European stage, returning three goals in seven UEFA Champions League appearances, including memorable strikes against German opposition in the form of both new employers Bayern as well as Bayer Leverkusen, as PSV suffered an unfortunate league-phase elimination.
What he brings to the national team
Versatility is the name of the game with Saibari. The Moroccan can’t be pinned down to a single position and both his spatial awareness and ability to use both feet means he is capable of lining up as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, out on either wing or even as a false nine, where Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi as predominantly preferred to deploy him this tournament.
A player for the big occasions and a composed figure in front of goal, Saibari delivered the decisive strikes in the 1-1 draw against Brazil in Morocco’s tournament opener, the 1-0 victory over Scotland and the 4-2 win against Haiti to round out the group stage, before converting the last penalty in the shootout against the Netherlands in the round of 32. Bayern’s recent acquisition then once again led the line in Morocco’s 3-0 victory in the round of 16 over co-hosts Canada.
What his coaches say
"Ismael is an extremely versatile player. He is versatile because he is a talented footballer. He has many qualities: he is good with both feet, he has strength, great endurance, is good in the air, has quality finishing with both feet, and good passing ability. He feels very comfortable on the ball and can beat opponents. All of this makes him a player of great quality." – Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco head coach
"He combines strength with technique and also has vision. That makes him a very complete player." – Peter Bosz, PSV Eindhoven head coach
