Morocco striker Yasser Zabiri has set his sights on winning both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup, as his impressive start to life in Spanish football strengthens his ambitions of becoming a key figure for the national team.
The 21-year-old made the declaration during an extended interview with British broadcaster DAZN on Friday, where he also expressed his desire to establish himself as Morocco’s first-choice striker ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Zabiri recently joined Racing Santander on loan from Rennes until the end of the season. He has made an immediate impression, scoring eight goals in his first 10 league appearances and attracting attention with his performances.
Asked whether he believed he could become Morocco’s leading striker at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Zabiri said: “Yes, I think so. I work hard all year, and I hope to continue like this. I will keep working until I gain the coach’s trust, because in the end, he is the one who decides, not me.”
He also spoke about what representing Morocco means to him and outlined his ambitions for the country’s national team.
“It is a great honor to wear the Moroccan national team jersey, and an honor for me and my family. It has been my dream since childhood, and now I am enjoying it. God willing, I will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations. The dream is to win the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup,” he said, according to DAZN.
From youth World Cup success to the senior national team
Zabiri’s ambitions are supported by his achievements with Morocco’s youth teams. He was one of the standout players in the side that won the 2025 Under-20 World Cup in Chile under coach Mohamed Wahbi.
The forward scored five goals during the tournament, playing an important role in Morocco’s successful campaign and helping the team secure the world title.
He is now looking to make a similar impact at senior international level, with Wahbi also central to his hopes of progressing in the national team.
Although Zabiri was not included in Wahbi’s squad for the 2026 World Cup finals, his recent performances have reportedly brought him into the coach’s plans. He is now considered a strong candidate to lead Morocco’s attack in forthcoming matches as he seeks to establish himself in the senior side.
A regular place in the national team would represent another significant step in a career that has developed quickly over the past year.
Zabiri climbs the La Liga scoring rankings
His form at club level has been equally impressive. The former Mohammed VI Academy graduate has scored eight times in 10 matches, averaging a goal every 81 minutes.
That return has placed him third in the league’s scoring standings, behind Rafinha, who has 13 goals, and Kylian Mbappe, with 11.
His performances have made him one of the notable attacking players in the competition, particularly given his recent arrival at Racing Santander.
The striker’s scoring record has also increased interest in his future, with reports in Spain suggesting that several major European clubs have been monitoring his performances.
Barcelona and Juventus among clubs monitoring the striker
Barcelona and Juventus are among the clubs reportedly keeping a close eye on Zabiri. Scouts from both sides are said to have attended Racing Santander matches in recent weeks to assess the Moroccan forward.
Several Premier League clubs are also believed to have sent representatives to watch him, although their identities have not been disclosed.
His growing reputation has been reflected in his estimated market value, which has reportedly risen from €9m to €20m following his performances in Spain.
The increase has made him Racing Santander’s most valuable player and placed him tenth among the most expensive Moroccan professional footballers.
With eight goals already to his name, Zabiri is enjoying a breakthrough spell in Spain while pursuing his ambitions with Morocco. His immediate priority is to maintain his scoring form and earn the confidence of the national team coach, but his long-term targets are considerably bigger: winning the Africa Cup of Nations and lifting the World Cup with his country.
