Ismael Saibari, the 25-year-old Moroccan midfielder for Bayern Munich, has spoken in an emotional interview about his deep friendship with the seriously ill Abdelhak Nouri. The new signing from Eindhoven revealed that visiting his friend, who has been in a coma since 2017, is also important to him for religious reasons. Die Welt Sport reported exclusively this week on the moving statements from the Bayern professional.
Ismael Saibari has known Abdelhak Nouri since at least 2017. The now 29-year-old Dutch midfielder suffered cardiac arrest during a pre-season friendly between Ajax Amsterdam and Werder Bremen in Austria in the summer of 2017. Since this tragic incident, Nouri has been in intensive medical care and is considered a long-term care case. He sustained severe, permanent brain damage and cannot move independently. Communication occurs through his eyes and eyebrows.
Saibari visited Nouri regularly and explained: "I have talked a lot about this with my mother, and visiting the sick is also part of my religion, Islam." About his friend's condition, the Bayern player said: "What happened to Abdelhak simply tears my heart apart." These words show the emotional depth of the connection between the two footballers.
The shirt number 34 holds special meaning for Ismael Saibari. This was the number Abdelhak Nouri wore during his time at PSV Eindhoven. Saibari consciously chose this squad number to honor his friend and maintain their connection. The Moroccan international transferred from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for approximately 50 million euros.
His decision for Bayern was clear when he had to choose between the German record champions and Paris Saint-Germain. In the last Champions League encounter between the two clubs, the first leg ended 4:5 and the return leg 1:1.
The medical care following Nouri's cardiac arrest became the subject of legal proceedings. Ajax Amsterdam paid Nouri's family compensation of 7.85 million euros in February 2022. The club thereby acknowledged inadequate initial care. This amount represents one of the highest compensation payments in football history for such a medical incident.
Bayern Munich's current situation can also be tracked on our standings page, where the club is fighting for important points. For Saibari personally, the move to Munich represents the fulfillment of a dream. He stated proudly: "I am proud to wear the Bayern jersey." His parents are from Morocco, and the player has already attracted attention through his performances in the Bundesliga.
Ismael Saibari's professional affairs are handled by agent Ali Dursun. Interestingly, Dursun also works with Abdelhak Nouri's brother. This connection shows the close personal relationships that extend beyond mere business dealings. The agent thus manages two players whose fates are tragically intertwined.
Saibari's development at Bayern Munich can also be followed by fans on our stats page, where his performance data is documented. The midfielder faces the challenge of establishing himself in a team with high expectations. His first year in Munich will show how he handles the pressure and demands.
Ismael Saibari and Bayern Munich's next official match is scheduled for the upcoming Bundesliga matchday calendar. The player continues to wear the number 34 in honor of his friend Abdelhak Nouri.
