After scoring a stunning double against Argentina (2-0) in the U20 World Cup final on Sunday in Santiago, Chile, Yassir Zabiri became the hero of Morocco, crowned world champion for the first time in its history. At 20, the 20-year-old, who plays for Portuguese D1 club FC Famalicao, is entering a new dimension.

He was a star. For Yassir Zabiri, there will be a before and after October 19, 2025. In Santiago, Chile, the 20-year-old striker sent his country, Morocco, to paradise. Facing Argentina in the U20 World Cup final, he scored a sumptuous double that spelled triumph (2-0), the first in the history of Moroccan football, the second in that of African football after Ghana in 2009.

Yassir Zabiri took care of everything, almost single-handedly. First, by opening the scoring with a left-footed free kick following a foul he himself caused on the edge of the penalty area. Then, by receiving a cross from Atlas Lions captain Othmane Maama, who was named the competition's best player ahead of... Zabiri. With a total of five goals, the blond-curly, star-faced number 21 has, thanks to this brace, become joint top scorer at the U20 World Cup, tied with France's Lucas Michal, Benjamin Cremaschi (USA), and Neyser Villareal (Colombia).

What a beauty from Zabiri! 😍🇲🇦 #U20WC pic.twitter.com/sfS1dEp8Bg

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 20, 2025

Talent, nerve and a big mouth

Reducing Zabiri to his goals would be reductive. The Moroccan is a complete player, fast, mobile, and very technical. He also knows how to be decisive in an original way: he holds the record for the number of consecutive own goals caused in knockout matches (3). Lisandru Olmeta has not forgotten the unfortunate penalty conceded in the semi-final. Zabiri is success and also audacity, like his Panenka attempted a little later during the penalty shootout against Les Bleuets. Finally, he also shows unfailing self-confidence.

Interviewed by FIFA after the final, the Moroccan striker did not hesitate to criticize his Argentinian opponents: "I said before kick-off that we weren't afraid of anyone. They talk a lot, but we crushed them."

Lionel Messi fanboy Yassir Zabiri scored a brace against Argentina U20 in a World Cup final.🔥

I'm not even mad 😅

pic.twitter.com/qS8WU0S8ur

— MC (@CrewsMat10) October 19, 2025

Absolute fan of Lionel Messi

Efficiency, audacity, and immense talent are all beneficial to Portuguese Premier League club FC Famalicao. Yassir Zabiri will be moving to this city in northern Portugal between Porto and Braga in the summer of 2024. The young Moroccan is arriving from Union Touarga Sports.

His first season wasn't a huge success. Injured, he only played five matches, all as a substitute, in the Portuguese league (one goal) and shone more with the U23 team (5 goals in 6 appearances). Since the restart, the Moroccan hasn't yet found the back of the net, but he already has three matches under his belt and his team sits in a fine 6th place in the standings.

After revealing himself to the world in Chile with Morocco, this die-hard Lionel Messi fan will return to Vila Nova de Famalicao with a newfound status. Under contract with the Portuguese club until 2028, Yassir Zabiri could benefit from more playing time but also be the target of requests from other clubs. Will he have what it takes to handle all the pressure? The hardest part is just beginning for Yassir Zabiri.