Rabat – Yassir Zabiri made history in the U20 World Cup final. The Moroccan striker scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Argentina, giving Morocco its first FIFA World Cup title at any level. He ended as the tournament’s top scorer and the man of the match in the final.
The 20-year-old didn’t have an easy path to the U20 World Cup. His club, Famalicão in Portugal, didn’t want to release him for the tournament – insisting that he instead stay and play in the league. But, Zabiri pushed back. He told Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahb, that he was going to join the team no matter what.
Zabiri made a promise to coach Wahbi: he would help Morocco win the World Cup and become the top scorer, no matter the cost.
“Zerhouni fought until the end to join us, but his club refused. He insisted on being present, and at the last moment, he told me he would try again and went to convince his coach, along with the club captain. The coach of Famalicão threatened him with losing his place in the team, and he replied that he would return as a world champion and the team’s top scorer, and if that happens, he deserves it.” coach Mohamed Ouahbi said in a press conference.
With his five goals, Zabiri broke Mohsine Yajour’s record of three goals from the 2005 U20 World Cup in the Netherlands becoming Morocco’s all-time top scorer in the history of the tournament.
