Yassir Zabiri hits hat-trick as Moroccan forward makes stunning La Liga debut

Morocco forward Yassir Zabiri made a spectacular introduction to La Liga on Friday, scoring a hat-trick to inspire Racing Santander to victory over Elche.

The 21-year-old found the net three times inside the opening 36 minutes in his first official appearance for the Spanish club, immediately establishing himself as one of the standout performers of the opening round.

Zabiri joined Racing Santander this summer on loan from French side Rennes and wasted no time making his mark in Spain.

Zabiri delivers stunning first-half display

The Moroccan forward showcased his finishing ability by scoring three goals in different styles during a remarkable opening half.

One of his efforts was particularly impressive, coming from an acrobatic finish similar to the spectacular goal he scored during the World Cup in Chile.

His clinical display earned him the Player of the Match award, with his performance drawing praise from the Spanish media, his teammates and the coaching staff.

The hat-trick also moved Zabiri temporarily to the top of the La Liga scoring charts alongside Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha and Barcelona’s Fermín López, according to Almountakhab.

Zabiri catches Ouahbi’s attention

The performance could also have wider significance for the Moroccan national team.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has been monitoring the country’s players across Europe as he prepares for the Atlas Lions’ upcoming international fixtures.

Zabiri’s impressive start in Spain comes after a difficult period in France and could give the national team coach another attacking option.

Ouahbi is reportedly expected to continue monitoring Zabiri, as well as Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and other Moroccan forwards playing in La Liga.

For Zabiri, however, the focus will now be on building on his extraordinary debut and establishing himself in Spanish football after announcing his arrival in emphatic fashion.