Ismael Saibari is an attacking midfielder or forward. He plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie. He was born in Spain but represents Morocco internationally. He made his senior debut for PSV on November 1, 2021, coming off the bench in a 4-0 win over ADO Den Haag.
On August 19, 2023, he scored his first goal for PSV in a 3-1 away win over Vitesse. Eleven days later, he scored twice in a 5-1 win over Rangers in the Champions League playoff, helping PSV qualify for the group stage and earning Man of the Match honors. He made his Champions League group stage debut on September 20, starting against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
He extended his contract with PSV until 2028. On November 29, 2023, he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3-2 away win over Sevilla.
In the 2023-24 season, Saibari got more playing time and helped PSV win the Eredivisie title. He played 31 matches and scoring 8 goals. The following season, he became a regular starter and was champion again. He played 44 matches with 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. On October 26, 2025, he scored his first career hat-trick in a 3-2 away win over Feyenoord. PSV won the league again in the 2025-26 season. Saibari was named Player of the Year with 15 goals and 8 assists.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Ismael Saibari
Doctors Said He Might Never Walk
As a baby, Ismael Saibari was diagnosed with a congenital foot deformity. It caused his feet to turn inward. Doctors told his parents he might never walk unaided. He wore orthopedic braces for over a year and finally took his first steps at age two. He said: “At that moment, it wasn’t even about becoming a footballer, it was just about being able to walk.”
Cut from Anderlecht for Being ‘Too Fat’
At 14, Saibari was in Anderlecht’s youth academy when he received devastating news. Just one day before the new season, the club told him he had to leave because he was overweight. He recalled: “It was really painful. I was playing well and felt like I was in a good moment.” The rejection fuelled his hunger to succeed.
Turned Down Belgium for Morocco
Despite spending over a decade in Belgium and being approached by then-coach Roberto Martínez in 2022, Ismael Saibari said no. He chose Morocco, his parents’ homeland. His reasoning was simple: “When you choose a national team, it has to come straight from your heart. It shouldn’t be a tactical decision about where you’ll do better.” A choice of heart.
Coached by Ruud van Nistelrooy
At PSV Eindhoven, Ismael Saibari was coached by one of the greatest strikers in football history, Ruud van Nistelrooy. Under his guidance, Saibari developed into the best player in the Eredivisie, scoring 19 goals with 9 assists in 37 matches and being named Eredivisie MVP. Learning from a legend.
Goal Celebration Honors His Cousin
Saibari’s unusual goal celebration, mimicking washing his hair, isn’t random. It’s a tribute to his cousin in Tangier, Morocco. As kids, they spent vacations on Moroccan beaches and had a routine: after long days in the sand, they’d rinse off together. Every time he scores, he’s reliving those childhood memories.
FAQs
Q. Which club does Ismael Saibari play for?
A. Saibari plays for PSV Eindhoven.
Q. When did Saibari score his first goal for PSV?
A. Saibari scored his first PSV goal in August 2023 against Vitesse.
Q. What achievement did Saibari record against Feyenoord?
A. Saibari scored the first hat-trick of his senior career in 2025.
Q. What award did Saibari win in the 2025–26 season?
A. Saibari was named PSV’s Player of the Year.
Q. Which country does Ismael Saibari represent internationally?
A. Saibari represents Morocco.
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