Why Morocco ace Ismael Saibari has picked No.34 shirt at Bayern Munich
Ismael Saibari has revealed his decision to wear the No.34 shirt at Bayern Munich is a personal tribute to his close friend Abdelhak Nouri.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Author: A.Nawfel
Moroccan midfielder Ismael Saibari, who recently joined Bayern Munich for a reported 50 million euros, has revealed that his decision to wear the No.34 shirt is a deeply personal tribute to his close friend, Abdelhak Nouri.
Former Ajax midfielder Nouri suffered a tragic collapse during a friendly in 2017, which left him with permanent brain damage and ended his professional career prematurely. "He survived but hasn’t been able to move unaided since then. I’m supporting him by wearing the 34, it was his last number," Saibari explained.
While the number 34 has historically been worn by young talents climbing through the ranks at Bayern Munich, Saibari arrives as a marquee signing. He is expected to feature prominently in Vincent Kompany's starting eleven, bringing significant experience from his time at PSV Eindhoven and his standout performances at the 2026 World Cup.
Sporting director Christoph Freund expressed his excitement regarding the transfer, citing Saibari's versatility and goal-scoring threat. For the player himself, the opportunity to work under Kompany was a decisive factor in moving to the German giants.
He survived but hasn’t been able to move unaided since then. I’m supporting him by wearing the 34, it was his last number. Ismael Saibari