Mexico: Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari the most emotional moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after helping his country reach the Round of 16 victory over the Netherlands.
Moments after scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout, Saibari sprinted toward the stands at Estadio Monterrey to embrace his mother.
The heartfelt reunion quickly went viral on social media, with fans describing it as one of the tournament’s most memorable scenes.
Ismael Saibari was born with a congenital deformity that left his feet severely turned inward, leading doctors to fear he might never walk normally.
Moments after scoring the winning penalty to send Morocco past the Netherlands, Ismail Saibari ran straight to the stands to embrace and kiss his mother in an emotional celebration.
— Alitoday (@alitodaay) July 1, 2026
The heartwarming scene quickly captured the attention of football fans around the world.… pic.twitter.com/T4Dp6YvKu1
“Yes, my feet were turned very far inward, so I had to wear a special device.” Saibari said
“Even doctors told my parents that maybe I would not be able to walk properly for the rest of my life,”
“My mother only prayed that I could live a normal life. But thanks to God, now I have normal feet and a healthy body,” he said.
Saibari wore orthopedic braces for more than a year to correct the condition.
His family later moved from Spain to Belgium following the 2007 financial crisis, but his dream of becoming a footballer remained unchanged.
Morocco came from behind after Issa Diop’s late equaliser before winning in a penalty shootout.
Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive spot-kick, then celebrated the historic victory with the woman who stood by him through every challenge.
