Noa Lang doesn't believe it was a coincidence that he scored against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday evening in the 34th minute. His close friend Abdelhak Nouri wore the number 34 during his time in Ajax's first team.
Lang scored PSV's opening goal in the 34th minute of their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes, putting his team ahead in a crucial match.
The minute of the goal was more than just a number to Lang; it carried a deeper, emotional significance tied to his dear friend Abdelhak Nouri. Nouri, a former Ajax midfielder, famously wore the number 34 jersey during his time at the Amsterdam club, before tragically collapsing during a pre-season match in 2017 due to a cardiac arrest. The incident left Nouri with severe and irreversible brain damage, an event that has profoundly impacted the Dutch football community, and particularly those who were close to him.
For Lang, the goal in the 34th minute was far more than a contribution on the scoreboard. It was a tribute to Nouri, a gesture filled with meaning, as the number 34 has become a symbol of honor and remembrance among those who were close to him. After the match, Lang took to social media to share his thoughts on the moment. In an Instagram story, he posted a heartfelt message: "For Appie, it had to be. #34," directly mentioning Nouri’s Instagram account. The significance of the timing of the goal wasn’t lost on Lang, and it was clear that he felt a connection to his friend in that moment, as if fate had orchestrated it.
Lang has often spoken about his bond with Nouri, referring to him as a "big brother" figure during his time in Ajax's youth academy. Nouri was not only a teammate but also a mentor to many of the younger players, including Lang. Since the tragic event, Lang has consistently paid tribute to Nouri, wearing the number 34 on occasion and dedicating special moments in his career to his friend. Scoring against a team like PSG in such a significant competition only heightened the emotional weight of the moment.
PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari, who currently wears the number 34 for the Eindhoven club, also joined in the tribute. Responding to Lang’s Instagram post, Saibari wrote, "Exactly," acknowledging the emotional resonance behind the goal. Like Lang, Saibari has a personal connection to Nouri's story. He too maintains a close relationship with Nouri's family and has previously spoken about how deeply he was affected by the tragic incident. Saibari's decision to wear the number 34 at PSV is itself a tribute to Nouri, as the number has come to symbolize the love and respect shared for him within Dutch football, particularly among young players who came up through the Ajax academy.
The story of Nouri continues to inspire many in the football world, and players like Lang and Saibari carry that inspiration with them every time they step onto the pitch. For these players, the number 34 is more than just a number on the back of a jersey it’s a reminder of a dear friend, of his talent, kindness, and the tragedy that forever altered his life and the lives of those who loved him. Nouri's story is one that transcends football, touching people far beyond the boundaries of the sport, and each tribute keeps his memory alive.
As Lang and Saibari both demonstrated, Nouri's influence remains a powerful force. Even in moments of intense competition on one of football's biggest stages, the memory of "Appie" shines through. It’s this emotional connection that adds a layer of meaning to PSV's performance, with Lang’s goal in particular standing as a tribute not just to his own skills, but to the legacy of a friend who inspired him and countless others.
After PSV's 1-1 draw with PSG, the Dutch club was left to reflect on a hard-fought match against one of Europe’s top teams. But for Lang and Saibari, the night was about more than just football it was about paying tribute to a legacy. Despite the challenges that come with facing a powerhouse like PSG, moments like Lang’s goal remind us that sometimes, football is about more than just winning and losing; it’s about honoring those who have left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Nouri's story will forever be a part of Dutch football, and as long as players like Lang and Saibari continue to remember and celebrate his life, his influence will continue to be felt. The number 34, now a symbol of Nouri’s legacy, serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of one young man’s talent and kindness.
