Jamal Musiala’s collapse caused some anxious moments at FC Bayern. That moment must have been especially difficult for Ismael Saibari—for a very personal reason.
From a sporting standpoint, Ismael Saibari’s debut with FC Bayern could hardly have gone better. In the 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Telekom Cup, the 25-year-old came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, set up a goal by Jamal Musiala shortly thereafter, and even got to celebrate his first minor title with the Munich team.
But all of that took a back seat shortly before the end. Musiala suddenly collapsed on the field at the Allianz Arena in the 83rd minute. Players and medical staff immediately rushed to the German national team player’s aid.
Of all people, it was Saibari who was the first to recognize the dangerous situation. The Moroccan sprinted to his teammate, supported him, carefully helped him to the ground, and then alerted everyone to the medical emergency.
After a few anxious moments, the all-clear was given. Musiala was able to get back on his feet and left the field supported by the Bayern medical staff. The star forward had apparently become dizzy due to the high temperatures.
Saibari pays tribute to Nouri with his jersey number
The scene must have been particularly upsetting for Saibari. The Bayern newcomer has already witnessed a much more severe collapse by a soccer player in his personal circle.
His friend Abdelhak Nouri collapsed in July 2017 during a friendly match between Ajax Amsterdam and Werder Bremen. The then-20-year-old suffered cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated right on the field. Due to insufficient oxygen supply, Nouri suffered severe and permanent brain damage.
His friend’s story remains with Saibari to this day—and is even featured on his Bayern jersey. After his transfer from PSV Eindhoven, the Moroccan national team player chose to wear the number 34 again. That was exactly the number Nouri had worn at Ajax. The Dutch record champions have not assigned that number again since the tragic incident.
After his move to Bayern, Saibari explained the significance of his number: “He survived, but hasn’t been able to move on his own since then. To support him, I wear the number 34 because it was the last number he wore.”
The 25-year-old must have been all the more relieved that Musiala quickly began to feel better. Max Eberl also gave the all-clear after the game. “The most important thing is that he’s doing well. As for everything else—there’s nothing more to say,” explained the sporting director.
Today, Monday, Musiala was even able to resume individual training at Säbener Straße.
For Saibari, this marked the end of an eventful first game in a Bayern jersey. Just a few minutes after coming on as a substitute, he set up Musiala’s goal. “A great assist for Jamal—great movement and a great run,” praised Eberl.
The Bayern boss believes the 50-million-new signing still has room for improvement physically, but was satisfied with his first impressions: “In terms of soccer, you can already see what he’s capable of.”
The Moroccan’s competitive debut was thus a success. However, Saibari is likely to remember above all the moment of scare involving Musiala—and the fortunately quick all-clear.