Lamine Yamal has singled out Ismael Saibari as one of the standout performers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the Moroccan midfielder ahead of Spain’s Round of 32 clash with Austria. Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE, the 18-year-old was asked to name the players who have impressed him most during the tournament.
Yamal Impressed by Saibari
While mentioning global stars such as Lionel Messi and Vinícius Júnior, Yamal also highlighted Morocco’s in-form playmaker. “Ismael Saibari is doing great things. He’s playing really well,” Yamal said. The praise comes as little surprise given Saibari’s outstanding performances for Morocco during the World Cup.
A Tournament to Remember
Deployed as a false nine for the Atlas Lions, the 25-year-old has been one of the competition’s biggest revelations, building on an exceptional season with PSV that earned him the Eredivisie MVP award. Saibari announced himself on the world stage by scoring just 71 seconds into Morocco’s opening match against Brazil, setting the fastest World Cup goal in Morocco’s history.
He has since continued his remarkable run, becoming the first African player ever to score in each of his country’s three group-stage matches at a FIFA World Cup. With three goals, he is now level with Youssef En-Nesyri as Morocco’s joint all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
More Records in Sight
Saibari will have another opportunity to add to his growing list of achievements when Morocco face Canada in the Round of 16. With his confidence soaring and admiration coming from some of football’s brightest young stars, the Moroccan international continues to establish himself as one of the breakout players of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
