In modern football, certain details sometimes end up stealing the spotlight from the action itself. On Saturday, during Morocco’s draw against Brazil in the World Cup, Ismael Saibari impressed above all with his goal. But another detail, more discreet, once again accompanied his performance: his socks with holes at the calf level .
Morocco’s impressive performance against Brazil also benefited European clubs. Several of them quickly highlighted their Moroccan players, aware that the World Cup is an exceptional showcase .
Morocco made an impression against Brazil. From the 65th minute onwards, the Atlas Lions evolved with eleven players born outside the kingdom, 100% MRE therefore, a first recorded in World Cup history.
Morocco held its own against Brazil (1-1) in their World Cup opener. In the press, several Atlas Lions were praised, starting with Ayyoub Bouaddi, Noussair Mazraoui and Ismael Saibari.
The draw between Morocco and Brazil was received with concern by the Brazilian press. More than the result, it was the performance of the Seleção that was severely judged.
Morocco’s team decisively defeated Madagascar 4-0 on Tuesday in Rabat during a 2026 World Cup preparation match . The delegation will fly to North America on Wednesday.
International midfielder Ismael Saibari is following a specific rehabilitation program with PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch club is prioritizing caution after muscle soreness to guarantee his presence at the 2026 World Cup next month.
Ismael Saibari impresses with his power and technique at PSV Eindhoven. Mohamed Ihattaren and several observers already see the midfielder joining Bayern Munich, while his coach sets a record asking price .
Ismael Saibari was the driving force behind PSV’s victory over Utrecht with a brace and an assist. His coach Peter Bosz now believes the midfielder is worth more than 70 million euros.
Targeted on social media after having greeted the victory of Senegal at the 2025 AFCON , Moroccan international Ismaël Saibari publicly apologized. The attacking midfielder pleads inadvertence and guarantees his total commitment to his country.
Several Moroccan internationals have sparked outrage online. They have approved photos of Senegalese players celebrating the [trophy of the Africa Cup](finale-senegal-maroc-ismail-jakobs-accuse-maroc-empoisonnement,119101.html) in Paris, a title officially awarded to Morocco by the Confederation of African Football.
During the latest Africa Cup of Nations final, surreal scenes unfolded around the Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s towel . For Hervé Renard, a two-time winner of the competition, the incident that resulted in a heavy fine for Morocco was primarily explained by the power of deeply rooted beliefs and superstitions in African football.