From dusty fields to World Champion: The incredible story of Morocco's Yassir Zabiri | OneFootball

OneFootball's home page

From dusty fields to World Champion: The incredible story of Morocco's Yassir Zabiri | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Foot Africa

Foot Africa

·24 November 2025

From dusty fields to World Champion: The incredible story of Morocco's Yassir Zabiri

Article image:From dusty fields to World Champion: The incredible story of Morocco's Yassir Zabiri

The rising star speaks to AS about his extraordinary path and his dreams with the Atlas Lions

Article image:From dusty fields to World Champion: The incredible story of Morocco's Yassir Zabiri

From dusty fields to World Champion: The incredible story of Morocco's Yassir Zabiri

OneFootball Videos

At just 20 years old, Yassir Zabiri has already lived story that sounds like fiction.. a boy who kicked football on dusty neighbourhood fields, grew up with nothing but ambition and ended up scoring two historic goal in U20 World Cup final against Argentina to crown Morocco champions of the world.

In heartfelt interview with AS, the Famalicao forward opened up about the road behind him, the sacrifices made and the dreams that still push him forward.

Zabiri describes Morocco’s U20 World Cup triumph as moment that still feels unreal:

"It’s like dream unfolding in front of your eyes. Football has been everything to me since I was child. I studied like every kid but my heart was always with the ball"

His passion began early at four or five year old and his talent quickly led him through Kawkab Marrakech, then branch of the Mohammed VI Academy in his hometown before he moved to the academy’s main centre in Rabat in 2015.

He would spend nine and half year there (years he calls "the real turning point" of his life)

Zabiri speaks with deep gratitude about academy many now compare to the best in Europe:

"It rivals any top academy. Care, stability, modern facilities.. you begin thinking and behaving like professional very young. Without that environment, I wouldn’t have reached this level"

The academy has become pipeline of Moroccan talent producing stars such as Nayef Aguerd, Youssef En Nesyri and Azzedine Ounahi. Zabiri says he always felt close to them especially Aguerd.

"Nayef would text me every day during the World Cup. His advice and support were priceless. He’s true role model"

Morocco’s U20 team played with swagger and Zabiri believes their unity made the difference:

  • Three year together as group
  • A coach who understands them "even emotionally"
  • Complete trust between teammates

That chemistry allowed Zabiri to play without fear:

"I wasn’t afraid of making mistakes. My teammates would always stand behind me"

Even the heated moments in the final helped motivate him:

"The crowd, Argentina’s attempts to provoke us.. it pushed me to show my personality"

His two goal in the final including stunning free kick are moments he will never forget.

"The first goal shocked me. The second was once in a lifetime moment.. when you feel the dream becoming real"

After brilliant World Cup, Zabiri says he feels prepared for the next step:

Zabiri has done exactly that earning starting spot recently against FC Porto with Famalicao.

"I want to score goals, show my qualities and prove to Walid that I deserve place"

Morocco will host AFCON 2025 and the young striker admits it’s at the top of his wish list:

"Is there anyone who doesn’t dream of playing AFCON in their own country? It’s huge. We want to win it"

Still, he remains grounded:

"If I’m not there, I will support the national team with all my heart. What matters most is Morocco lifting the trophy"

La Liga admiration: "I can adapt to any style"

Zabiri ended the interview by reaffirming his love for Spanish football:

"I’ve loved La Liga since I was young. Any team there can compete. I can adapt to any style.. attacking like Barcelona or defensive like Atletico"

View publisher imprint

MORE STORIES

See More Stories
Watch on OneFootball