Rabat – Moroccan striker Yassir Zabiri has explained why he believes Spanish and Portuguese football are better suited to his playing style than the approach he experienced during his brief spell in France with Stade Rennais.
Speaking at his official presentation as a Racing Santander player on Wednesday, Zabiri contrasted the collective football he encountered in Portugal with the greater emphasis on individual contests and physical duels in France.
“The collective game in Portugal is similar to Spain,” Zabiri said. “In France, it is different, with more one-on-one situations and more duels. I prefer the football here, where I am more connected with my teammates.”
The 21-year-old did not criticize Rennes directly, instead presenting his difficulties in Ligue 1 as a question of tactical compatibility. He believes Racing’s emphasis on coordinated movement and combination play will provide a more suitable environment for his qualities.
“The style of play at Racing is what convinced me to come, in addition to the fact that I really like Spain,” he said.
Zabiri revealed that he had received other proposals before choosing the newly promoted La Liga club. Racing were the last team to contact him, but he said he made his decision quickly after studying the team’s approach.
A new opportunity in Spain
Racing signed Zabiri from Rennes on loan until June 30, 2027. The Spanish club confirmed the agreement on July 29, with the Moroccan taking the No. 21 shirt for the 2026-2027 campaign.
The move gives him an opportunity to earn more regular playing time after joining Rennes from Portuguese side Famalicão in February. His contract with the French club runs until 2029.
Racing Sporting Director Chema Aragón described Zabiri as a forward whose characteristics fit the club’s system, pointing to his ability to attack spaces, finish chances and press opposing defenders.
“He is a very lively and intelligent young man, and he will adapt well,” Aragón said.
Zabiri said he is physically ready and has been placing additional emphasis on cardiovascular work to reach full condition before the start of the league season. He also set himself a minimum target of 10 goals while expressing his desire to help Racing enjoy a successful return to Spain’s top flight.
Racing secured promotion at the end of the 2025-2026 season, returning to La Liga after a 14-year absence. The Cantabrian club will begin its new campaign at El Sardinero against Villarreal.
The Marrakech-born striker developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy before beginning his professional career with Union Touarga. He subsequently moved to Famalicão in 2024, registering seven goals in 20 appearances before Rennes signed him during the 2026 winter transfer window.
Zabiri’s reputation grew considerably during Morocco’s title-winning campaign at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. He scored five goals during the competition, including twice in the final against Argentina, and received the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player.
He made his senior international debut for Morocco against Burundi on May 26, 2026, after previously recording 30 appearances for the national under-20 team.
His loan spell at Racing now offers him the chance to translate that success into regular top-flight football while proving that Spain’s more interconnected style can help him express the qualities that made him one of Morocco’s leading young forwards.
