Ziyech playing in Africa for the first time

This year, at the Club World Cup, one of the most passionate and numerous fan armies belonged to Morocco’s Wydad. And although they were defeated by Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain, the stands of American stadiums were shaking. Casablanca is shaking again after the news that Hakim Ziyech has agreed to a one-year deal with Wydad. One of the best Moroccan footballers of this century has decided to warm the hearts of his nation and take the first step toward returning to the national team. Ziyech has not been part of the squad since September last year, and coach Walid Regragui has stated that there is no problem with Ziyech — he’ll be called up once he finds a club and starts playing again.

Since July 1, Ziyech has been a free agent after his contract with Al Duhail expired. Wydad will give him the opportunity to play — and possibly a chance to return to the national team, perhaps even for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21, right there in Morocco. A more realistic goal, however, is earning a spot on the roster for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Ziyech has never played club football in Morocco. Born in the Netherlands, he came through the Heerenveen academy. He shone at Ajax during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons as a key player in the team that reached the Champions League semifinals. However, neither at Chelsea nor Galatasaray did he come close to showing the kind of football that made the Blues pay Ajax 40 million euros for him. Still, he can boast the title of European champion. Wydad is the biggest and most successful Moroccan club, but it has been waiting for a league title since 2022. The team is currently top of the table after just four rounds, and with Ziyech’s qualities, they could have the decisive edge in the title race.