Ismael Saibari has made a strong early impression on Bayern Munich after starring for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, according to the club’s honorary president Uli Hoeness.
“He really impressed me with Morocco,” Hoeness said in an interview with Abendzeitung, describing how Saibari caught the attention of Bayern’s senior leadership during the tournament.
The 25-year-old joined Bayern Munich during the World Cup, having arrived as the reigning Eredivisie Player of the Season. Hoeness said the attacking midfielder had impressed the entire Bavarian club, including himself, after being deployed as a false nine by Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi.
Saibari completed his move to Bayern the day after Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands in the last 16. The match finished 1-1 before Morocco won 3-2 on penalties after extra time on 30 June, with Saibari scoring the decisive final spot-kick to eliminate the Oranje.
He had already played a key role in Morocco’s group-stage campaign. Saibari scored against each of the Lions of the Atlas’ three opponents, finding the net in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, the 1-0 victory over Scotland and the 4-2 win against Haiti.
Those performances also saw him break several records during the tournament.
Saibari, who has signed a contract running until 2031, took part in his first Bayern Munich training session on Monday. According to the report, he finished ahead of new team-mates Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies in sprint exercises.
The session highlighted the Moroccan international’s explosive qualities and impressive pace as he began life at his new club.
Before moving to Germany, Saibari enjoyed a productive campaign with PSV Eindhoven. He scored 19 goals and provided nine assists in 37 appearances last season, helping establish himself as one of the leading attacking players in the Eredivisie.
His arrival at Bayern Munich came amid a World Cup campaign in which his versatility was particularly valuable to Morocco. Although he is naturally an attacking player, his use as a false nine gave the team another option in the forward line and helped him become one of the tournament’s most notable performers.
Hoeness’ comments underline the level of expectation surrounding Saibari at Bayern, where the club’s officials have already been convinced by his displays for Morocco. The player’s first training session also offered an early indication of the pace and athleticism he will bring to the squad.
Saibari will now look to build on his World Cup success as he begins his long-term Bayern Munich career, with his contract keeping him at the club through 2031.
