What Happened to Hannibal Mejbri After Manchester United?

Few young footballers have generated as much excitement as Hannibal Mejbri. During his teenage years, many Manchester United supporters believed he could become one of the club’s next midfield stars. His fearless style, technical ability, and endless energy made him one of the most talked-about academy players in England

However, breaking into Manchester United’s first team proved much harder than expected. Despite flashes of brilliance, Hannibal struggled to secure regular minutes at Old Trafford.

Loan spells followed, and eventually he made a permanent move away from the club to continue his development with Burnley.

While his club career has taken a different path than many predicted, his international performances for Tunisia have continued to attract attention.

His displays at the FIFA World Cup and in other international competitions have reminded football fans why he was once considered one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders. His confidence, work rate, and ability to influence games have helped put him back into the spotlight.

At just 23 years old, Hannibal still has plenty of time to fulfil his enormous potential. His story is no longer about living up to expectations at Manchester United. Instead, it is becoming one of rebuilding, gaining experience, and proving himself on both the domestic and international stage.

In this article, we explore Hannibal Mejbri’s journey, his life before Manchester United, what happened after leaving Old Trafford, his performances for Tunisia, his career statistics, and what the future may hold.

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Who is Hannibal Mejbri?

Hannibal Mejbri is a professional footballer who represents the Tunisia national team and plays as a midfielder for Burnley.¹

Born in France on January 21, 2003, Hannibal chose to represent Tunisia at senior international level despite playing for France’s youth teams.

He is widely recognised for:

• Excellent dribbling ability
• High pressing intensity
• Aggressive tackling
• Creative passing
• Strong work ethic
• Fearless attitude in big matches

Unlike many attacking midfielders, Hannibal combines creativity with relentless defensive work. He constantly presses opponents and never stops running, making him an energetic presence in midfield.

Although his Manchester United career never developed as many expected, his talent has never been questioned. Coaches continue to value his technical quality and determination.

Drop all your videos of today pls #clarets pic.twitter.com/jUm4zvrvf6

— Hannibal Mejbri (@HannibalMejbri) May 6, 2025

Early Life

Hannibal Mejbri was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, near Paris. His parents are Tunisian, and football was part of his life from an early age.

He joined Paris FC as a child and quickly became known as one of the country’s brightest young talents. Scouts from several major European clubs watched him regularly before he even reached his teenage years.

His performances earned him a place at the famous Clairefontaine academy, one of France’s best football development centres. Many legendary French players have trained there, and Hannibal continued to improve both technically and mentally.

Even at a young age, coaches praised him for his confidence with the ball and willingness to take responsibility during matches.

Hannibal Mejbri Quick Profile

Youth Career

After leaving Paris FC, Hannibal joined Boulogne-Billancourt before moving to AS Monaco.²

At Monaco, his reputation grew rapidly. His close control, creativity, and fearless dribbling made him one of the most exciting prospects in European football.

In 2019, Manchester United decided to invest heavily in the young midfielder. The club reportedly paid a significant transfer fee to sign him from Monaco, highlighting how highly they rated his potential.

Manchester United believed Hannibal could become a long-term first-team player.

Manchester United Journey

Joining Manchester United came with enormous expectations.

The club’s supporters had watched stars such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Marcus Rashford, and Kobbie Mainoo rise through the academy. Many hoped Hannibal would follow a similar path.

His performances for Manchester United’s youth teams were outstanding.

He regularly dominated matches with:

• Intelligent passing
• Confident dribbling
• Long-range shooting
• Creative vision
• Aggressive pressing

In 2021, Hannibal finally made his senior debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Although opportunities were limited, he impressed supporters with his energy whenever he entered the pitch.

One memorable moment came when he scored his first Manchester United goal against Brighton in the Premier League. Even though United lost the match, Hannibal’s spectacular strike showed his technical quality.

Unfortunately, competition in Manchester United’s midfield remained extremely strong.

Experienced players regularly occupied starting positions, making it difficult for Hannibal to play consistently.

Managers changed.

Tactical systems changed.

But regular first-team football remained difficult to achieve.

Eventually, both the player and the club recognised that regular minutes elsewhere would be better for his development.

Why Didn’t Hannibal Become a Manchester United Regular?

Several factors affected his progress.

Limited Opportunities

Manchester United consistently competed for major trophies, meaning managers often preferred experienced midfielders.

Young players had fewer chances to develop through regular Premier League matches.

Tactical Competition

The squad included several international midfielders, making competition intense every season.

Need for Consistent Playing Time

Like many talented youngsters, Hannibal needed weekly football.

Occasional substitute appearances could not provide enough experience.

Loan moves became the logical next step.

Career Statistics

Statistics are current up to the latest completed club season.

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Birmingham City Loan: A Season That Built Confidence

In the summer of 2022, Manchester United decided Hannibal needed regular first-team football. He joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan in the Championship.³

The move proved to be exactly what he needed.

Unlike at Manchester United, Hannibal became an important member of the starting eleven. Week after week, he faced experienced professionals and learned how demanding English football could be.

During the 2022–23 season, he made more than 40 appearances across all competitions and scored his first senior club goal. His performances earned praise from Birmingham supporters, who admired his energy, creativity, and willingness to fight for every ball.

Although Birmingham struggled at times, Hannibal’s development was clear. He became stronger physically, improved his decision-making, and learned how to influence games over a full 90 minutes.

Many Manchester United fans hoped he would return ready to compete for a first-team place.

Sevilla Loan: A Difficult Spell in Spain

Instead of becoming a regular at Manchester United, Hannibal was loaned to Spanish side Sevilla in January 2024.

The move looked exciting because La Liga is often considered an excellent league for technical midfielders.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.

Hannibal found it difficult to break into Sevilla’s starting lineup. Competition for places was intense, and he managed only a handful of league appearances.

Without regular football, his development slowed again. Although the experience allowed him to train in a different football culture, it did not provide the consistent minutes he needed.

By the end of the loan, it had become clear that his future probably lay away from Old Trafford.

Permanent Move to Burnley

In August 2024, Burnley signed Hannibal Mejbri on a permanent transfer.

The move represented a fresh start.

Instead of waiting for opportunities at one of the world’s biggest clubs, Hannibal chose a team where he could play regularly and continue improving.

Burnley valued his pressing, technical ability, and versatility in midfield.

His first season included several encouraging performances as he adapted to his new surroundings. He also scored his first goal for the club and helped Burnley earn promotion back to the Premier League.

For many young footballers, leaving a giant club can seem like a setback.

For Hannibal, it became an opportunity to restart his career.

What Happened to Hannibal After Manchester United?

Many supporters expected Hannibal to become a long-term Manchester United midfielder.

Instead, his journey followed a different path.

Several factors contributed to his departure:

• Limited first-team opportunities.
• Strong competition in midfield.
• Loan spells that produced mixed results.
• A desire for regular football.

Rather than remaining a squad player, Hannibal chose a permanent move where he could play consistently.

Looking back, leaving Manchester United may have been the right decision.

Young players often need regular matches more than occasional appearances at elite clubs.

Since joining Burnley, Hannibal has played far more football than he likely would have at Old Trafford. Those minutes have helped him mature as both a player and a leader.

World Cup Performances Putting Him Back in the Spotlight

Although his club career has experienced ups and downs, Hannibal has continued to impress for Tunisia.

His first FIFA World Cup came in Qatar in 2022.

While Tunisia exited during the group stage, Hannibal became one of the tournament’s youngest midfielders and gained valuable experience at the highest international level.

Since then, he has remained an important part of Tunisia’s national team.

During World Cup qualification and recent international fixtures, his performances have shown why coaches continue to trust him.

His strengths on the international stage include:

• Calmness under pressure.
• High work rate.
• Ball progression through midfield.
• Quick transitions.
• Aggressive pressing.

During the 2026 World Cup, Hannibal has again attracted attention with his tireless performances despite Tunisia’s difficult campaign. Analysts have highlighted him as one of Tunisia’s brightest performers because of his energy and creativity in midfield.

International football has become an important platform for Hannibal.

Every strong performance reminds clubs and supporters why he was once considered one of Europe’s best young midfielders.

Playing Style

Hannibal is an energetic central midfielder who enjoys having the ball.

He can operate as:

• Central midfielder
• Attacking midfielder
• Box-to-box midfielder
• Wide midfielder when required

His game is built around intensity rather than physical dominance.

He likes receiving the ball under pressure before driving forward with quick dribbles.

Unlike many creative midfielders, Hannibal also contributes defensively by pressing opponents aggressively and winning possession high up the pitch.

His confidence often allows him to attempt difficult passes that break defensive lines.

Strengths

Hannibal possesses several qualities that make him an exciting midfielder.

Technical Ability

His first touch and close control allow him to escape pressure in crowded midfield areas.

Energy

Few midfielders work harder.

He constantly presses defenders and tracks runners.

Confidence

Hannibal never hides during matches.

He always wants the ball, even when his team is struggling.

Versatility

He is capable of playing several midfield roles depending on the team’s tactical setup.

Areas for Improvement

Like many young players, Hannibal continues to develop.

Some areas where he can improve include:

• Better discipline during emotional moments.
• More consistent final passes.
• Improved goal contributions.
• Greater tactical patience.

As he gains experience, these aspects of his game are expected to improve naturally.

Career Highlights

Some of Hannibal’s biggest achievements include:

• Signing for Manchester United as one of Europe’s highest-rated young midfielders.
• Making his Premier League debut.
• Scoring his first Premier League goal.
• Becoming a regular for Birmingham City.
• Representing Tunisia at the FIFA World Cup.
• Winning the Kirin Cup with Tunisia.
• Joining Burnley permanently and helping the club return to the Premier League.

Future Prospects

At only 23 years old, Hannibal still has many years ahead of him.

His immediate objective will be to establish himself as a consistent Premier League midfielder with Burnley.

If he continues developing, he could attract interest from larger European clubs once again.

Internationally, he remains one of Tunisia’s key players.

With every major tournament, he gains valuable experience that can help both his club and country.

His career may not have unfolded exactly as many Manchester United supporters expected, but it is far from over.

Sometimes a different path leads to long-term success.

Hannibal now has the opportunity to write the next chapter on his own terms.

 

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FAQ’s

Is Hannibal Mejbri still a Manchester United player?

No. He joined Burnley on a permanent transfer in August 2024 after loan spells at Birmingham City and Sevilla.

Why did Hannibal leave Manchester United?

He struggled for regular first-team opportunities because of strong competition in midfield. A permanent move offered him consistent playing time.

Which country does Hannibal represent?

Although born in France, Hannibal represents Tunisia at senior international level.

What position does Hannibal Mejbri play?

He is primarily a central midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder or box-to-box midfielder.

Did Hannibal play in the FIFA World Cup?

Yes. He represented Tunisia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has continued to feature for the national team in World Cup qualification and the 2026 tournament.

What makes Hannibal Mejbri special?

His relentless work rate, technical ability, pressing intensity, confidence, and versatility make him one of Tunisia’s most exciting midfielders.

Conclusion

Hannibal Mejbri’s career has taken an unexpected route. Many believed he would become a regular at Manchester United, but fierce competition limited his opportunities. Instead of remaining on the fringes, he chose to seek regular football through loan spells before making a permanent move to Burnley.

That decision has helped him rebuild his career. Regular minutes have improved his confidence and allowed him to continue developing into a complete midfielder.

At the same time, his performances for Tunisia have ensured that his reputation has continued to grow on the international stage.

World Cup football has once again reminded supporters of his quality. His energy, determination, and technical ability remain among his biggest strengths, and at just 23 years old, he still has plenty of time to reach the level many predicted during his academy days.

Whether with Burnley or Tunisia, Hannibal Mejbri remains a player worth watching. His journey is a reminder that success in football is rarely a straight line, and sometimes leaving a major club is exactly what a talented young player needs to unlock his full potential.

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1. wikipedia
2. theguardian
3. fourfourtwo