Bayern Munich’s Uli Hoeness praises Ismael Saibari after standout Morocco performances

Ismael Saibari’s performances for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already earned him admiration at Bayern Munich, with honorary president Uli Hoeness revealing that the attacking midfielder quickly convinced the club’s leadership after his displays on the international stage.

Saibari completed his move to the Bundesliga champions during the World Cup after being named the Eredivisie’s Player of the Season.

The Moroccan international has since received glowing praise from one of Bayern’s most influential figures, who admitted the 25-year-old’s tournament performances helped reinforce the club’s decision to approve the transfer.

In an interview with Abendzeitung, Hoeness explained that Saibari had impressed not only him but also Bayern’s football leadership, including head coach Vincent Kompany and sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund.

Hoeness explains why Saibari won Bayern over

The Bayern Munich honorary president said Morocco’s World Cup campaign played a decisive role in shaping his opinion of the midfielder.

Before the tournament, Hoeness admitted he had not closely followed Saibari’s progress, but his performances in Morocco’s colours changed that perception.

Speaking to Abendzeitung, Hoeness said:

“The Moroccan player really impressed me at the World Cup. I hadn’t really paid much attention to him before, but our people – the coach (Vincent Kompany), Max (Eberl) and Christoph (Freund, the sporting directors) – spoke very highly of him. So, on the board, we were more than happy to give our approval.”

The comments highlight the confidence Bayern’s hierarchy already have in the Moroccan international following his arrival in Munich.

World Cup performances caught Bayern’s attention

Saibari completed his transfer to Bayern Munich the day after Morocco defeated the Netherlands in the Round of 32.

The Atlas Lions progressed after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw on 30 June, with Saibari converting the decisive spot-kick that eliminated the Dutch side.

That moment capped an impressive tournament for the attacking midfielder.

During the group stage, Saibari found the net against each of Morocco’s three opponents.

He scored in the draw with Brazil, the victory over Scotland and the win against Haiti, producing a series of performances that also saw him break several records during the competition.

Those displays strengthened his growing reputation and helped convince Bayern’s board that the move was the right decision.

Transfer followed an outstanding season

Saibari’s move to Germany came after an impressive domestic campaign.

Before joining Bayern Munich, he had been recognised as the best player in the Eredivisie, further enhancing his reputation as one of the league’s standout performers.

His transfer was finalised while the World Cup was still taking place, allowing Bayern to secure one of their priority targets before the tournament concluded.

The midfielder has signed a contract that keeps him at the Bundesliga club until 2031.

🚨🆕 Ismael Saibari consistently finished ahead of Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies during sprint exercises.

The Moroccan has already shown exceptional explosiveness and top speed.

(🗞️ @tzmuenchen) https://t.co/CaPUBK63au pic.twitter.com/pNuyI7ikyG

— Bayern Focus (@FCBayernFocus) August 3, 2026

Strong first impression in training

Saibari has already begun working with his new teammates in Munich.

The Moroccan international took part in his first Bayern training session on Monday as preparations for the new season continued.

According to tz, the midfielder immediately made an impression during sprint exercises.

The report stated that Saibari recorded quicker times than teammates Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies in the sprint drills, underlining his acceleration and pace during his first session with the club.

Although it was only an early training exercise, it provided another positive sign for both the player and Bayern as he begins adapting to his new surroundings.

With praise already coming from the club’s leadership and an encouraging start on the training ground, Saibari begins the next chapter of his career carrying considerable expectations following his performances for Morocco at the World Cup.