Official: Hakim Ziyech Joins Botafogo on a Two-Year Deal Leaving Wydad Casablanca

Botafogo has officially announced the signing of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech on a contract running until the end of 2028. The club announced the arrival of the attacking midfielder with the message, “The magician has arrived!”, welcoming Ziyech to the Glorioso.

How the Deal Was Done

Botafogo officially completed the signing of 33-year-old Morocco international Hakim Ziyech, with the attacking midfielder arriving at the Brazilian club as a free agent after ending his spell with Wydad Casablanca.

Ziyech recorded a video for Botafogo supporters at Amsterdam’s airport before boarding his flight to Brazil. The official announcement landed hours after the 33-year-old touched down in Rio de Janeiro. Football director Léo Coelho met him on arrival, and a warm reception awaited outside Galeão International Airport, where dozens of Botafogo fans gathered to chant for the Moroccan.

Ziyech expressed his excitement after arriving in Brazil, revealing that it had always been his dream to experience football in the country. “Everything went well; the flight was a bit long, but I’m really excited. Rio has always been on my list to visit and now it’s become a reality. Brazil is the number one country when it comes to football. It’s a way of life and I want to experience that,” he told Botafogo’s official media channel.

Ziyech’s Career Journey

Developed in Dutch football, Ziyech began his career at Heerenveen, where he won the team’s player of the season award in 2013/14, and then moved to Twente, before earning a transfer to Ajax. With the club, the attacking midfielder finished as Europa League runner-up and won the Dutch Championship, the Dutch Cup, and the Dutch Super Cup. At Ajax, Ziyech was also named Eredivisie Player of the Year three times and led the league in assists on four occasions.

He later moved to Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League with the English club in 2021.

In 2023, Ziyech played for Galatasaray, winning two Turkish league titles and a super cup. After a brief spell at Qatar’s Al Duhail, the player featured for Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca before arriving at Glorioso.

Career Timeline Table

His Time at Wydad Casablanca

The Moroccan club announced that it had reached an agreement with the player to terminate his contract by mutual consent. Ziyech joined Wydad as a free agent in October 2025 and made 16 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing two assists during his time with the club.

Ziyech’s International Career

Ziyech has represented Morocco at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and played a key role in the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semifinals in Qatar. Ziyech has 64 caps and 25 goals for Morocco.

Why Botafogo Signed Ziyech

Botafogo believe Ziyech’s wealth of experience, creativity and winning mentality will strengthen their squad as they continue to compete for major honours in Brazilian and continental football.

Botafogo currently sit 13th in Brazil’s top flight with 30 points from 24 matches. The Rio de Janeiro club is looking to strengthen its squad after a difficult season, with Ziyech expected to become one of its major reinforcements.

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