LOS ANGELES : Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari paid tribute to his Tunisian heritage after scoring against Tunisia in his side’s 5-1 World Cup victory on Sunday, choosing not to celebrate his first goal out of respect for his father’s homeland.
The 22-year-old opened the scoring before raising his hands in apology toward Tunisian supporters, acknowledging his family ties to the North African nation.
Born in Solna, Sweden, Ayari is the son of Tunisian-born Azzouz Ayari. Although eligible to represent Tunisia internationally, the midfielder opted to continue his career with Sweden after progressing through the country’s youth system.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Ayari was given an opportunity to switch allegiance to Tunisia but declined.
Earlier this year, his father said he supported that decision.
“No, I wanted him to play for Sweden,” Azzouz Ayari told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. “He must feel like he’s giving back to the country that took care of him.”
Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi also expressed admiration for the midfielder before the match.
“I know him and his brother,” Lamouchi said. “He made a choice, I have a lot of respect, and he’s a very good player.”
Ayari’s respect for Tunisia did not prevent him from playing a decisive role in Sweden’s victory.
The midfielder struck again in stoppage time with a powerful long-range effort into the left corner to complete his brace.
This time, he celebrated freely, sliding on his knees before cupping his ear toward the Sweden supporters gathered behind the goal.
The contrasting celebrations reflected the emotions surrounding a match that pitted Ayari against a nation that forms an important part of his identity.
While Tunisia suffered a heavy defeat, Ayari’s performance underlined why Sweden view him as one of the country’s brightest young talents as they pursue a deep run at the 2026 World Cup.
