Chemsdine Talbi has been on every Moroccan’s lips after his dazzling display in the Champions League playoffs against Atalanta Bergamo.
The 19-year-old has been named in UEFA’s Team of the Week next to Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde after he scored twice in the first half to put the game beyond the reach of hosts.
Introducing your Team of the Week! ✨@cryptocom | #UCLTOTW pic.twitter.com/Cn5GdBQ2ji
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 20, 2025
Talbi’s rise to first-team football has been nothing short of remarkable. Once overlooked due to his small stature, he worked tirelessly to bulk up. “He was always quick and tricky,” said former manager Dwight Waeytens. “But he needed to build his strength. He didn’t enjoy it, still he put in the work and his breakthrough came at U15 level.”
That hard graft paid off. After a slow start in his senior career, Talbi exploded onto the scene this season. First came his match-winning goal against Anderlecht in October. Then came the two goals he scored against Atlanta in a do-or-die Champions League tie.
Nicky Hayen, FC Brugge’s boss, says his starlet is on a highway to the top, saying: “Talbi has the talent – now he just has to keep proving it. Staying at the top is the real test.”
Talbi holds dual Belgium and Moroccan nationality. The player himself is keeping quiet. “I’ve spoken to both federations. I still need to decide,” he said.
Various sources indicate that the prodigy has already made up his mind and has chosen to represent Morocco instead of Belgium at senior level, after playing for the Red Devils in the U17, and U20 youth setup.
