The Atlas Lions owe much of their success in this World Cup opener to the young forward. In their second match, Saïbari struck early with a blistering strike under the crossbar in the second minute, securing the only goal of the game against Scotland. With four points from two matches and a favorable final group-stage fixture ahead, Morocco stands a strong chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.

The 23-year-old has been the standout performer for Morocco, delivering decisive moments with both precision and power. Against Brazil, he showcased his technical brilliance, while against Scotland, his thunderous shot left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Saïbari’s rise at the World Cup mirrors his club trajectory. Earlier reports confirmed his impending move to Bayern Munich for a reported fee of €55 million, making him one of the most expensive Moroccan players in history. Though the deal hasn’t been officially finalized, the transfer has been widely anticipated, even discussed by Morocco’s head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, before the Scotland match.

Ouahbi praised Saïbari’s professionalism, stating, « We are very proud when Moroccan players feature in top clubs, and Bayern Munich is certainly among them. The player remains composed and focused, which is crucial. While Bayern’s communication may be cautious, our priority remains clear: the World Cup. Vincent Kompany understands this, and we are confident this transfer will be completed. We want our best players in the best clubs. »*