The Spanish newspaper Marca honored the Moroccan international and former "Atlas Lions" captain, Noureddine Naybet, by selecting him among the best team in the history of Deportivo La Coruña, as a culmination of an exceptional career in which he left a remarkable presence with the Galician team's jersey.
This selection came in recognition of what Naybet offered during the period between 1996 and 2004, where he was one of the pillars of the back line of the Depor in one of the most successful phases of the club. The Moroccan captain contributed to winning the La Liga title for the 1999-2000 season, in addition to winning the Copa del Rey in the 2001-2002 season, and two titles in the Spanish Super Cup. Naybet's achievements were not limited to local tournaments, as he was part of the golden generation that led Deportivo La Coruña to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, in a historic achievement that consolidated the club's position in Europe. Marca praised the qualities that distinguished the Moroccan defender's performance, considering him a model of solidity and defensive discipline, in addition to elegance in playing and calmness in building attacks from the back. Naybet played 260 official matches with the Depor, during which he scored 16 goals, a number that reflects his offensive impact despite his defensive position. This honor reinforces the special status that Noureddine Naybet enjoys in the memory of Deportivo La Coruña fans, as one of the most prominent defenders in the club's history, and one of the most successful Moroccan professionals in European stadiums.
