Moroccan midfielder Ismail Saibari has been crowned the best player in the Dutch Eredivisie for the 2025-26 season following a campaign that established him among the league’s standout performers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old received the honour during the Eredivisie awards ceremony organised by ESPN after helping PSV Eindhoven secure a third consecutive league title.
Saibari’s selection came after a vote involving the captains of the league’s 18 clubs, with the Morocco international finishing ahead of notable competitors including Joey Veerman and Micah Godts.
The midfielder received the award from his brothers Akram and Adam in what was described as an emotional moment during the ceremony.
Impressive Numbers Define Saibari’s Season
Saibari’s influence throughout the season was reflected in a series of impressive attacking statistics.
The Moroccan international contributed to 23 goals in 27 league appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists. Those numbers made him the most productive midfielder in the Dutch top flight in terms of direct goal involvement.
He averaged a goal contribution every 94 minutes, underlining both his consistency and attacking effectiveness over the course of the campaign.
Beyond the raw numbers, Saibari also demonstrated an ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.
Against clubs from the Eredivisie’s traditional top six, he scored five goals and registered three assists, reinforcing his growing reputation as a player capable of influencing the biggest occasions.
He also led the league in shots on target, averaging 3.8 attempts every 90 minutes, highlighting his attacking confidence and willingness to take responsibility in the final third.
Joining a List of Eredivisie Greats
The award places Saibari among a distinguished group of players who have previously received the honour in the Netherlands.
He became only the second PSV player to win the prize after Luuk de Jong and now joins a list that includes Orkun Kökçü, Jurriën Timber, Dušan Tadić and Frenkie de Jong.
Saibari’s rise has been described as the result of steady progression and discipline rather than overnight success.
Over recent seasons, he has developed into one of the central figures in coach Peter Bosz’s tactical system at PSV, combining physical presence with technical quality in midfield.
Morocco Looking to Saibari Ahead of World Cup
The midfielder’s outstanding domestic season now provides a significant boost to Morocco as preparations intensify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Saibari is expected to join the Moroccan national team camp carrying high expectations from supporters hoping he can reproduce his club form on the international stage.
Within Morocco, the player is increasingly viewed as one of the team’s most important figures ahead of the tournament, with many supporters seeing him as a potential difference-maker in decisive matches.
Attention is already turning towards Morocco’s group-stage campaign, particularly a heavyweight encounter against Brazil national football team scheduled for 14 June.
Saibari’s performances in the Netherlands have strengthened belief that Morocco possess a midfielder capable of competing at the highest level during the World Cup.
With confidence high after the best season of his career, the Eredivisie’s leading player now faces the challenge of translating domestic success into international achievement with the “Atlas Lions”.
