The Serbian Super Liga has long provided a great platform for young talents to develop and take the next step to a higher level. FK Partizan Beograd signed Zubairu Ibrahim last summer, and he immediately made an impact, becoming a key player for the club in the second half of the season.

Like most countries along the Gold Coast, Ghana belongs to the group of moderately developed economies, yet poverty remains a significant challenge. Football is one of the country’s most important sports, enjoying immense popularity among young people. For many, it is not just a form of entertainment, but also a potential way out of hardship. In the streets, schools, and academies, football is the number one sport, as it requires minimal equipment while offering immense opportunities. Local academies that provide world-class training – such as Right to Dream – often represent the only chance for many talented players to pursue a career abroad.

Zubairu Ibrahim’s path, however, was anything but conventional. Born in 2004, the forward developed in the youth ranks of Barcelona Babies before joining King Faisal FC, where he made his Ghanaian Premier League debut at just 16 years old. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, several European clubs, including Hammarby IF and SK Sturm Graz, expressed interest in him, but none of those moves materialized. In September 2022, he moved to Serbia, signing for FK Jedinstvo Ub, a second-division club. There, he played alongside fellow Ghanaian Kwaku Karikari and played a key role in the club’s first-ever promotion to the top flight. Over two seasons, he made a significant impact on Serbian football, leading to his transfer to FK Partizan Belgrade in June 2024. Upon signing, he stated:

“This is truly a dream come true for me, and I have no words to describe it. Partizan is the best club in the country, and I am very excited to wear the black and white jersey and play in front of the incredible fans.”

Zubairu Ibrahim is an extremely dynamic and explosive young player. His speed and agility set him apart in Serbian football, but his game still requires refinement. However, his talent and potential are undeniable.

ON-BALL

While he played as a forward in a two-striker system in the second division, at Partizan, he is deployed as a traditional winger. He primarily operates on the left flank, where, as a right-footed player, he can cut inside to attack the goal more effectively. Zubairu possesses outstanding dribbling skills—though his efficiency leaves room for improvement—and he can beat defenders one-on-one using his pace. He is excellent at attacking depth and has a great sense of space, allowing him to get into goal-scoring positions regularly. He covers large areas with the ball and often moves inward to the midfield, looking for creative solutions.

• Dribbles 75th percentile
• Dribble distance 83rd percentile
• Progressive dribbles 88th percentile
• Take-ons 67th percentile
• Take-on success rate 25th percentile
• Take-ons resulting in fouls – 35th percentile

He is primarily active in the attacking third, as reflected in his number of touches. At present, he is more of a finisher than a playmaker, though he does contribute assists. However, he has not yet shown a strong inclination to be the one creating rather than finishing chances.

• Touches - 65th percentile
• Touches in the attacking third - 67th percentile
• Touches inside the box – 83rd percentile
• Passes received in the attacking third – 67th percentile
• Passes in the attacking third – 31st percentile
• Expected threat (xT) received in the attacking third – 88th percentile

While his passing accuracy needs improvement, his football intelligence and game-reading ability are noteworthy. He does not settle for simple solutions; instead, he often attempts line-breaking passes and key passes. When cutting inside, he likes to release the overlapping full-back or combine with him.

• Long passes - 75th percentile
• Long pass accuracy - 81st percentile
• Passes into the box - 54th percentile
• Key passes - 73rd percentile
• Through balls – 56th percentile
• Expected assists (xA) – 63rd percentile

Zubairu’s finishing is at a high level; he remains composed in front of goal and converts his chances efficiently. He takes ambitious long-range shots, occasionally from difficult angles, which could be something that needs to be taken out of his game.

• Shots - 92nd percentile
• Shot accuracy - 95th percentile
• Shot quality – 99th percentile
• Average shot distance – 96th percentile

His football intelligence also shines in his movements behind the defense; he times his runs well and exploits open spaces effectively. His explosive bursts allow him to gain an immediate advantage, making him a valuable asset for a counter-attacking team at a higher level.

DEFENSIVE PLAY

Off the ball, Zubairu’s greatest strength is his high-intensity pressing. He works with extraordinary effort and puts significant pressure on opposing defenders. However, his enthusiasm can sometimes be counterproductive, leading to unnecessary fouls and bookings. This is partly due to Partizan’s pressing structure, which still has room for improvement. As a result, he is not always fully committed to counter-pressing after losing possession, but when he is focused, he demonstrates the required intensity and aggression.

• Defensive intensity - 73rd percentile
• Anticipatory tackles - 75th percentile
• Tackles - 71st percentile
• Tackle success rate - 63rd percentile
• Ball recoveries - 48th percentile
• Fouls - 71st percentile
• Yellow cards - 85th percentile

This aspect of his game still requires development if he wants to succeed at a higher level. Enthusiasm alone is not enough; top leagues demand a much more refined defensive skillset. This includes curved pressing runs, the effective use of cover shadows, and a precise reading of pressing triggers. He needs to improve in these areas, though it remains to be seen whether he will do so at Partizan.

CONCLUSION

Zubairu Ibrahim is a highly promising talent whose speed, agility, and attacking potential make him a potent weapon for a team that plays fast, high-intensity football. His technical abilities and decision-making still require polishing, but if he continues on the right developmental path, he could reach the top leagues in the coming seasons.