Lisbon: Zabiri, who plays for Portuguese club Famalico, nearly missed this golden opportunity due to reservations from his club and coach Hugo Oliveira about his participation in the tournament. Nevertheless, he played a major role in the historic win of the Atlas Cubs, who claimed the U-20 World Cup, notes the portal.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Zabiri, who went from being a relatively unknown player in Portugal to an emerging star on the international stage, underwent a transformation in just one month. He shone with the Moroccan national team at the U-20 World Cup and was instrumental in the Atlas Cubs’ victory, Sapo highlights.

Citing Morocco U-20 coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the portal notes that Zabiri had to insist strongly to convince his club to allow him to participate. He “fought until the last moment and personally visited his coach, accompanied by the team captain, to request permission.”

Sapo concludes that Zabiri’s achievement confirms he is now one of the most promising talents in global football and reflects the determination and commitment of young Moroccans to reach the highest levels.