Maroan Sannadi made quite the entrance at San Mamés as he debuted for Athletic Bilbao during their match against Girona. The home crowd erupted with applause when he was called onto the field, marking his first official appearance since joining the club. This debut, which occurred on February 8, 2025, was filled with enthusiasm and anticipation, as fans had been eager to see the newcomer showcase his talent.
Ernesto Valverde, the Athletic head coach, signaled the moment Sannadi had been waiting for just after the hour mark, substituting him for Gorka Guruzeta. The reaction from San Mamés was electric, with applause echoing throughout the stadium as Sannadi took the field. Coming off his successful stint at Barakaldo, where he scored eleven goals over 22 matches, Sannadi quickly endeared himself to the Athletic fans even prior to his debut.
"I’m very excited. This is the dream I've had my whole life," Sannadi had expressed upon joining the club. This dream manifested when he officially signed for Athletic after terminating his loan with Barakaldo, for which the club paid around four million euros plus additional variables.
His first moments on the pitch showcased his physicality and skill. Almost immediately, Sannadi attempted to connect with his teammates, including sending a well-placed pass to Oihan Sancet. Although Sancet didn't convert, the awareness and opportunity created reflected Sannadi's readiness for the challenge.
The fanbase’s affection for Sannadi became evident not only during his warm-up but also when he began hitting the ball, demonstrating his agility and creativity within the opponent’s area. The spectators at San Mamés were visibly thrilled whenever he received the ball, often reacting with disbelief at his potential. The player also tested the waters with his first shot on goal, which was smoothly saved by Girona's Gazzaniga.
During his time warming up on the sidelines, the anticipation grew, especially considering he hadn't played yet following his early substitution against Real Betis. Yet, Sannadi's vibrant energy did not go unnoticed, as even before his appearance fans were buzzing with excitement over his arrival.
The match concluded with Athletic securing a 2-0 victory, but Sannadi's presence on the pitch was undoubtedly the highlight for many fans. His versatility and performance during this debut suggested he has great potential, and Athletic fans are eager to see how he will contribute as the season progresses. Sannadi's dynamic playing style has already garnered comparisons to past favorites, and many are hopeful he can fill significant shoes this season.
This debut highlights more than just personal achievement; it also marks Sannadi as the first player of Moroccan descent to join the first team at Athletic, symbolizing the club's commitment to diversity and mirroring the multicultural evolution present within the Basque region.
Given his relatively recent transition from lower leagues to top-flight football, Sannadi acknowledges the faster pace and intensity of the game at this level. "The ball goes very fast," he admitted. Despite the transition, he has expressed confidence thanks to the support he has received from both the coaching staff and fellow teammates, stressing the sense of community within the squad.
His current teammates, including established players like Iñaki Williams and Sancet, have made efforts to welcome him, emphasizing the importance of mentorship among the squad to integrate new players quickly. The camaraderie expressed from the start has been refreshing for Sannadi, who has worked diligently to rise through the ranks after several years of effort. He harbors aspirations of making significant contributions during the remainder of the season, including competing both domestically and internationally, as Athletic has aims to solidify their position within both La Liga and the Europa League.
At only 24 years old, Sannadi seems poised for remarkable growth and success at Athletic. With no plans to rush his integration, Valverde is carefully managing expectations, emphasizing the importance of patience as Sannadi finds his footing within the squad. Knowing the pressure surrounding his debut, both coaches and teammates alike are mindful of allowing him the necessary space to thrive. Fans too are eager yet cautious, showing admiration without overwhelming their new player.
Looking forward, expectations remain high for how Sannadi might contribute to the team's ambitions this season. The unique blend of enthusiasm among fans and teammates suggests the makings of what could very well be the beginning of something special for both Sannadi and Athletic Bilbao.