Mousa Al-Tamari has emerged as the driving force behind Stade Rennais' late-season surge, keeping the club in contention for a Champions League spot as they prepare to host Paris FC. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined from Montpellier in January 2025 for €9 million, has been pivotal in the final stretch, contributing three goals, one assist, and winning three penalties in his last five appearances.
Al-Tamari's impact was epitomized by his stunning left-footed volley against Lyon last weekend, a strike reminiscent of Marco van Basten's iconic goal in 1988. The goal left teammates and opponents stunned, underscoring the Jordanian international's growing influence. "In a word, he is disconcerting," said Rennes coach Franck Haise this week. "He is a player capable of doing many things—in the imbalance, in depth, with certain gestures. In the ten matches I've had him, he has consistently hurt the opposition."
This season marks a significant leap for Al-Tamari, who initially struggled after his arrival. His first months at Rennes were unremarkable, but he turned a corner during a 2-2 draw at Toulouse in October, where he was deployed as a left wing-back under then-coach Habib Beye. That tactical adjustment unlocked his potential, though Beye's system eventually fizzled out in January. Since Haise took over, Al-Tamari has shifted to the right side of a 4-3-3, torching PSG defender Pacho to open the scoring in a 3-1 win, and later moved to the left in a 4-4-2, adding variety to his runs, including central incursions.
Marc Brys, Al-Tamari's former coach at Belgian side Louvain from 2020 to 2023, noted his remarkable progression. "We immediately saw he had great potential, but I never thought he would be this strong," Brys said. "We worked a lot on his finishing without losing his speed. I've never seen a player with such acceleration. He has improved in duels at full speed, to resist opponents. Tactically, he has improved enormously. Initially, he only sprinted with the ball, always doing the same thing. Since he was always at full throttle, I told him that by being at 70 or 80 percent, it would be easier for him technically."
Michel Der Zakarian, who coached Al-Tamari at Montpellier, also praised his development. "He has stamina and runs tirelessly, and I find he has improved in ball retention, combination play, and reading the game," Der Zakarian said. Indeed, Al-Tamari remains a lethal weapon in transition, an unpredictable player capable of spectacular feats or squandering simple chances. He leads Rennes in high-intensity runs, a testament to his work rate.
Al-Tamari himself is measured about his achievements. "I would say this is the second-best season of my career, behind the one I had with Nicosia in Cyprus," he said on April 9, before his fireworks at Lyon. "I played in the Champions League then, and I performed well in the league. The level is higher in France, so it's hard to be as good." His modesty belies his impact: Rennes' offensive dynamism in recent weeks is largely due to his contributions, as the club chases a return to Europe's elite competition.
The journey from a struggling winter signing to a season-defining protagonist underscores Al-Tamari's adaptability. Having been recommended by Jorge Sampaoli's agent during Rennes' attempt to rectify a flawed 2024 summer window, Al-Tamari has become the solution to their attacking woes. With Amine Gouiri and Albert Gronbaek departed, the Jordanian has stepped up as the new creative fulcrum.
As Rennes face Paris FC this weekend, Al-Tamari's form could be decisive. His ability to draw penalties, create chances, and score spectacular goals makes him a constant threat. For a team that has oscillated between tactical systems and coaches, his consistency has been a rare constant. Whether deployed on the wing or centrally, Al-Tamari has proven that his unpredictability is his greatest weapon—and Rennes' best hope for Champions League football.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.