The story of Saibari’s 34: a tribute to Nouri at Bayern

Ismael Saibari has arrived at Bayern Munich from PSV Eindhoven for €50 million, becoming the club’s standout signing of the window. From day one, one detail stood out: the 34 shirt number. The fans were surprised to see an winger wearing a number more commonly linked to strikers, but the player has a deep personal reason behind it.

A tribute to a friend

In Bayern’s internal magazine “51”, Saibari revealed that the number is a tribute to his friend Abdelhak Nouri, a former Ajax player. In 2017, at just 20 years old, Nouri suffered a cardiac arrest during a friendly. He survived, but went on to suffer permanent brain damage. Saibari said his bond with Nouri’s family grew through his representative and the player’s brother, adding that they even travel together: “we go on vacation together,” he explained.

The goal celebration gesture

Saibari also connected his celebrations to childhood memories. In the same interview, he explained why he celebrates every goal by moving his hands over his head. It started in Eindhoven when he was close to making his first-team debut: his cousin asked what he’d do if he scored, and Saibari told him to come up with something. That gesture became their shared memory of the time they used to swim together at the sea.

Why he chose Bayern

Finally, Saibari explained why he accepted Bayern’s offer. He pointed to last season, when with PSV he faced Bayern in the Champions League—and said he was struck by the way the team played and their “aura.” His next step is to settle in Munich before making the leap to the very top level, after a strong PSV campaign of 19 goals and 9 assists in 37 matches.