Morocco’s U20 Sensation Breaks into Ligue 1 with Rennes
2 February 2026
Transfer Update
The Moroccan young forward Yasser Zabiri has officially joined Stade Rennais in the final hours of the winter transfer window, stepping in as the successor to the outgoing Meité who moved to Saudi Arabia.
Rennes announced Zabiri on a four-and-a-half-year contract, running through the summer of 2029, after a quick agreement with his former club Famalicão in Portugal.
The deal forms part of Rennes’ plan to strengthen the squad following Meité’s departure to Al Hilal for a transfer worth over 30 million euros.
Rising Star Profile
At just 20 years old, Zabiri shone at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, finishing the tournament as the top scorer with five goals and adding an assist, helping Morocco’s youth side perform strongly on the world stage.
He previously scored four goals in 12 league appearances for Famalicão in Portugal before heading to France, where he will link up with Abdel Hamid Ait Bodlal to aid his adjustment.
Rennes’ Long-Term Plan
Rennes is betting on a long-term project built on youth and development, aiming to secure the club’s sporting future by cultivating young talents from the academy to the first team.
Humor note: If Zabiri starts scoring, Rennes might need a bigger trophy cabinet—and a bigger coffee machine for all those post-match interviews.
Punchline: If he lights up Ligue 1, you’ll know the transfer fee wasn’t a risk–it was a forecast. And if not, well, the press conferences will still have subtitles for my jokes."
