The secret of Ismael Saibari: How he maintains calm and focused

Ismael Saibari is a rising star. Born on January 28, 2001, the PSV Eindhoven player exudes a natural calmness and stability. A reliable presence, someone you can build a top team around for the long term. The coaching staff in Eindhoven knows this too. That’s why the reigning champions, who signed him from KRC Genk in 2020, extended the contract of the Moroccan-Spanish Eindhoven resident earlier this year, until mid-2029. Such a move is a sign of trust, Saibari agrees. He speaks about it with surprising modesty, especially considering his rapidly rising star status. At a young age, he has already checked off one of his major goals: winning the national championship. And that’s just the beginning.

In addition to his sporting achievements in the Eredivisie, the Cup, the Moroccan national team, and the Champions League (with 3 CL goals to his name), there is one more thing Saibari is passionate about: since 2022, he has been an ambassador for the Abdelhak Nouri Foundation. It’s a choice made out of conviction; he fully supports the positive message of ‘Appie’ Nouri. And with trusted figures like Nick Verstappen, Director of Business Professionals at ING Private Banking Sports & Media, handling his business affairs, Saibari can focus on what he finds most important in life.

How would you describe yourself?

Ismael: “I see myself as an ordinary guy who loves football and is a family person. Football is my passion, but my family always comes first.”

What is your ultimate goal in sports?

“I want to be successful in my career. For me, that means winning everything: league titles, the Champions League, the World Cup, the Africa Cup… Collecting as many trophies as possible and preferably playing a decisive role in them because that makes it even better.”

What is your goal as a person?

“I want to be a good example, especially for kids. A respectful guy with consideration for everyone. Someone who is always positive, jovial, and who enjoys what he does. Always with a smile – except after losing a final, of course.”

That sounds like Nouri. Did you know him before his accident?

“No, but in recent years, I’ve grown very close to his family. His brother, along with Ali Dursun, is my agent. That’s how I got to know Abdelhak too: an amazing footballer and, above all, a special person. He never excluded anyone; everyone was always welcome with him. I always hear people speak positively about him. Three days ago, I visited the family, and someone from the neighbourhood spontaneously shared a beautiful story about how respectful Nouri always was to him. When I hear such stories, I feel extra proud to give something back to him.”

What do you do as an ambassador?

“Wherever possible, I help with events and actions of the Foundation. Whether it’s a fundraising indoor football event or an auction of T-shirts, for example, to raise money for installing AEDs on sports fields in the Netherlands (see sidebar). If they ask me, I’m there.”

You even play with Nouri’s shirt number, 34.

“Yes, with that, I want to carry his message forward. I can still vividly see how he reacted when I told him: a beautiful smile appeared on his face.”

What has his accident taught you?

“What I’ve learned from it is that you should never take your health for granted. You can be as successful or as rich as you want, but if you’re not healthy, you can’t do anything.”

How do you ensure you have a good balance in your career and life?

“By leaving all the things that distract me from what’s important to the people I trust. Like my agents and Nick (Verstappen, Director of Business Professionals at ING Private Banking Sports & Media, editor). We get along really well, like friends, and they form a strong team around me. They know me well, understand what I find important, and take care of it for me. This way, I can fully focus on football. It gives me peace of mind knowing I can trust them.”

Nick, what does your role mean for Ismael?

“Together with Ismael and his agent, we form a team that manages his business interests for now and the future. From banking matters to notary appointments and wisely managing his money. In consultation with him, we handle all his financial affairs, completely relieving him of these concerns. This allows him to focus entirely on his sport, without worries about now or the future.”

Sounds serious. Do you mostly talk business together?

Ismael: “Haha, not really. If necessary, we might discuss business matters briefly, but after that, we’re mainly friends again. We enjoy joking around and having fun.”

How does an athlete like Ismael differ from ‘regular’ Private Banking clients?

Nick: “Footballers are often young people with unique careers. They have a busy schedule, largely dictated by others, and they travel a lot. This means I need to be extra flexible and always be ready for Ismael, almost 24/7. The same goes for other top athletes, as well as for successful influencers or young people from the media. At ING Private Banking, we have a special Sports & Media desk for this, with financial advisors and consultants who speak the same language as these clients. They know their world, and follow their rhythm of life. This is how we help and relieve them of their concerns.”

You must have a good connection…

“Absolutely, you can only do this work together if you completely understand, trust, and value each other. Like real friends. Ismael and I call and text regularly and see each other every week, at least at the matches. He also invited me to their championship celebration and his contract extension. That feels like appreciation.”

Behind the scenes, you’re helping build his future. How great will he become?

Nick: “A great one, for sure! My mission is to ensure that even after he eventually stops playing football, he can live without worries. By wisely managing the money he earns now, so he can benefit from it in the future.”

And Ismael, what is most important to you in that?

“That my family is well off. If I see that everyone around me is happy, then I am too. I don’t necessarily need to earn big money. As long as I can trust 100% the people who handle my affairs, so my parents and brothers are taken care of, and later my own children too. That’s what it’s all about for me.”

Help: 34 AEDs at sports fields!

The Nouri Foundation was established on July 8, 2022, to carry forward the values of Abdelhak ‘Appie’ Nouri. Just like Nouri himself, the foundation aims to connect people and include children and young people who are on the sidelines in a safe environment. The Nouri Foundation seeks to continue its values: consideration for everyone, creating connections, and excluding no one. Additionally, the foundation raises money to provide AEDs (automated external defibrillators) at sports fields in 34 cities across the Netherlands: a device that could have saved Nouri’s life. Thanks to generous donations from various sources, the foundation has already placed 3 AEDs. But the next 31 are urgently needed. Do you want to contribute, donate, or help? Visit nourifoundation.nl for information and events.

Wealth Beyond Yourself

How do you shape the world of tomorrow, and what truly gives you fulfilment? What choices are you making now for the future? For your family, your business, society, and our planet. Your personal relationship manager will create a customized future plan for you. Want more info? Visit ING Private Banking – Sports & Media.

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