From Parisian youth prospect to international playmaker: the rapid rise of Hannibal Mejbri
In short: Born in France to Tunisian parents, Hannibal Mejbri navigated a turbulent youth career before becoming a professional midfielder. After early scouting interest from elite English clubs, he joined Manchester United, eventually committing his international future to Tunisia. His journey highlights the complex, often high-stakes world of modern football development.
Hannibal Mejbri’s path to professional football began in the Parisian suburbs, where he joined Paris FC in 2009. By 2016, his potential had attracted attention from major English clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool. Despite this interest, he moved to Monaco in 2018 for €1 million. However, his tenure there was short-lived; within a year, his family alleged that the club had breached contract agreements, leading Mejbri to describe the experience as the 'dark side of football.' He spent nearly four months without playing before Manchester United secured his signature in August 2019 for an initial fee of €5 million.
At Manchester United, Mejbri quickly progressed through the youth ranks, winning the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award in 2021. He made his senior debut in May 2021 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. His development continued through loan spells at Birmingham City, where he scored his first senior goal, and Sevilla. In August 2024, he signed a four-year contract with Burnley. His playing style is characterized by high energy and defensive commitment, with former Manchester United development head Nicky Butt comparing his leadership qualities to those of Roy Keane and David Beckham.
Internationally, Mejbri initially represented France at the under-16 and under-17 levels. In 2021, he committed to Tunisia, the homeland of his parents. He has since become a key figure for the national team, participating in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His international career has not been without friction; in late 2023, his omission from Tunisia's Africa Cup of Nations squad sparked controversy, with coach Jalel Kadri citing Mejbri's desire to focus on his club situation at Manchester United. Despite these challenges, he remains a highly regarded talent, twice named African Revelation of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
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