Hakim Ziyech plots career revival back home

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Qatari side Al Duhail earlier this year.

His spell in Qatar was hampered by injuries and limited game time, cutting short what was expected to be a fresh start after a brief stint with Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Ziyech, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, had attracted interest from several clubs across Europe and the Middle East. Romanian outfit CFR Cluj were among those who came close to securing his signature, but negotiations broke down over wage demands and fitness concerns.

Now, the former Ajax star has chosen to return to Morocco, where he is expected to join Wydad Casablanca — one of the country's most successful and passionate clubs.

The move represents a full-circle moment for Ziyech, who is determined to revive his career and maintain his place in the national team setup ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted on home soil.

Over the course of his career, Ziyech has played more than 497 professional matches, scoring 134 goals and contributing 135 assists.

Renowned for his creativity, vision, and lethal left foot, he made his name at Ajax before securing a move to Chelsea, where he lifted the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

For Morocco, Ziyech has earned 64 caps and netted 25 goals, cementing his legacy as one of Africa's most technically gifted footballers.