PHOTOS: Racing Santander announce Yassir Zabiri signing

Spanish club Racing Santander have confirmed the signing of Moroccan striker Yassir Zabiri on loan from French side Stade Rennais until 30 June 2027.

The move allows the 21-year-old to secure regular first-team football after struggling for opportunities during his first six months in Ligue 1.

Zabiri joined Rennes from Portuguese club Famalicão in February and remains under contract with the French outfit until 2029.

Fresh start in Spain

The Moroccan forward made six substitute appearances for Rennes during the second half of the 2025-26 season, playing a total of 42 minutes without scoring.

His switch to Racing Santander is designed to provide him with consistent playing time as he continues his development.

The Spanish club will compete in La Liga this season after earning promotion to the top flight for the first time in 14 years and are strengthening their squad ahead of their return to elite football.

World Cup hero for Morocco

Zabiri’s reputation soared during the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, where he played a leading role in Morocco’s historic triumph.

The Marrakesh-born striker finished the tournament with five goals, including both strikes in the Atlas Cubs’ 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final. He opened the scoring with a direct free-kick before adding a second goal later in the first half.

His outstanding performances earned him the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player, behind fellow Moroccan Othmane Maamma, while also finishing among the competition’s top scorers.

Continuing his development

Before beginning his European career, Zabiri spent nine years at the Mohammed VI Football Academy before making his professional breakthrough with Union Touarga, where he scored three goals and provided one assist in 11 appearances.

He moved to Famalicão in August 2024 before earning a transfer to Rennes, who praised his movement, intelligent positioning and composure in front of goal when announcing his arrival.

The French club also described him as a left-footed striker capable of leading the attack.

Eyes on the future

The loan move also fulfils Zabiri’s long-held ambition of playing in Spain, having previously spoken of his admiration for La Liga and its technical style of football following the Under-20 World Cup.

The young forward will now look to establish himself in Spain’s top flight, with his progress expected to be closely monitored in Morocco as the Atlas Lions continue to assess the country’s emerging attacking talent.