Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari scored twice in his team's 5-1 win over Tunisia at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday night, but it was his first goal celebration — or lack of one — that drew attention.
After opening the scoring, the 22-year-old raised his hands in apology instead of celebrating. The gesture was a mark of respect towards Tunisia, the country of his father's birth.
Ayari was born in Solna, Sweden, to Tunisian father Azzouz Ayari. Although he represented Sweden at youth level, he had the opportunity to switch allegiance and play for Tunisia before the 2022 World Cup. He chose to continue with Sweden.
Speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet earlier this year, Azzouz Ayari said he supported his son's decision.
“No, I wanted him to play for Sweden,” Azzouz Ayari said. “He must feel like he’s giving back to the country that took care of him.”
Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi also backed Ayari's choice 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. We wish him after the game best of luck, but that is after the game.”
Ayari completed his brace in the closing moments of the match with a long-range strike into the left corner. This time, he celebrated, sliding on his knees and cupping his ear toward the Sweden supporters behind the goal.
His two goals came alongside strikes from Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres and Mattias Svanberg, who scored just 16 seconds after coming on as a substitute.
The result lifted Sweden to the top of Group F after the opening round of matches.
