Speaking to Spanish radio station COPE ahead of Spain’s round-of-16 clash against Austria on Thursday, July 2, in Los Angeles, Yamal reflected on the players who have impressed him most.
“Among the stars, I’d say Messi, of course, but I also like Vinicius,” Yamal said. When asked which breakout player had caught his attention, he added: “Ismaël Saibari. He’s doing great things. He’s playing really well.”
The comments come as the Moroccan international continues to impress with his performances for the Atlas Lions.
Ismaël Saibari unleashes his shot to open the scoring against Brazil, ahead of Gabriel Magalhães, during the 2026 World Cup match in New York (AFP). AFP
Saibari has scored three goals in four matches and converted the decisive penalty in Morocco’s shootout victory over the Netherlands on Tuesday, June 30, sending the Atlas Lions through to the round of 16. This tournament marks his first FIFA World Cup appearance for Morocco.
Saibari also became the first Moroccan and African player to score in every group-stage match at a single FIFA World Cup.
