Zakaria Labyad makes Copa Libertadores debut with Corinthians

Zakaria Labyad made his first appearance in the Copa Libertadores as Corinthians claimed a home victory over Independiente Santa Fe, marking a significant milestone in the Moroccan midfielder’s career.

The Brazilian side delivered another strong performance in the South American competition, overcoming their Colombian opponents in front of their home supporters.

While the result underlined Corinthians’ growing momentum, the match also carried personal importance for Labyad, who stepped onto the pitch in the tournament for the first time.

The 33-year-old, who joined Corinthians at the end of February 2026, has been gradually integrated into the squad.

His appearance against Santa Fe was his fourth for the club, but the occasion stood out due to the prestige of the Copa Libertadores, widely regarded as South America’s premier club competition.

Labyad entered the match in the 87th minute, making a brief but symbolic contribution as Corinthians saw out the result.

Although his involvement was limited in terms of minutes played, the moment represented a new chapter in a career that has largely been built in European football.

Before moving to Brazil, Labyad featured for several clubs across Europe, including FC Utrecht, Ajax, Vitesse and PSV.

His experience at those clubs has contributed to his profile as a technically skilled midfielder, now adapting to a different footballing environment in South America.

Since his arrival at Corinthians, he has shared the dressing room with high-profile teammates such as Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard.

The club’s ambition in continental competition has provided Labyad with the opportunity to experience a new level of football outside Europe.

While his appearances have been limited so far, his debut in the Copa Libertadores represents a notable step as he continues to settle into his role at the club.

For Corinthians, the victory over Independiente Santa Fe reinforces their position in the competition, while for Labyad, the night will be remembered as a personal milestone in an already varied career.