Yassir Zabiri has become the breakout star of Racing Santander's season. The 21-year-old Moroccan forward, on loan from Stade Rennais, has already scored five goals in five La Liga games, topping the team's scoring charts.
His latest brace came last weekend in the 2-1 win over Alavés at El Sardinero. Zabiri levelled the score in the 38th minute with a left-footed curler from outside the box and, after the break, turned the game around with a first-time finish at the near post from an Iñigo Vicente cross. That victory left Racing Santander tenth in the table, with seven points from a possible fifteen.
A meteoric rise
Zabiri's path to the top has been swift. He began his professional career at Union de Touarga in the Moroccan Botola before moving to Portuguese side Famalicão in 2024. There he signed a four-year contract and attracted interest from across Europe after scoring four goals in twelve appearances in his first season. In February 2026, Stade Rennais paid between ten and twelve million euros to secure his signature, tying him down until June 2029.
With no immediate place in the French side, newly-promoted Racing Santander secured a season-long loan in July, with no option to buy. The move has been a complete success. Beyond his brace against Alavés, Zabiri had already netted a hat-trick on matchday three in the 3-2 win over Elche.
The impact on the team
His contribution is key for a team that has scored nine goals and conceded nine, maintaining a neutral goal difference. With Zabiri as the focal point, Racing's attack has found a decisive edge. The player himself has outlined his role: "He plays as a centre-forward." His performances have earned him recognition as one of the most promising young attackers in European football.
The next challenge is a big one: a trip to the Camp Nou to face leaders Barcelona. The Cantabrian side face the match eight points behind the Catalans, but with the confidence of having a striker in top form. The squad, with Zabiri as the main man, aims to solidify its place in the top flight.
The original report is at Khel Now
