Hakim Ziyech goes home! Chelsea's Champions League winner turns down La Liga opportunity to sign for Moroccan giants

Wydad Casablanca have confirmed the signing of Morocco international Ziyech on a free transfer, bringing one of Africa’s most gifted footballers back home. The 32-year-old playmaker, who left Qatari club Al-Duhail earlier this year, has seemingly turned down the chance to continue his career in Europe with Sevilla, who were eyeing him as a free agent. Instead, Ziyech opted for what club president Hicham Ait Mena described as a move ‘driven by national pride,’ signing a deal until 2027 with an option to extend.

The transfer marks Ziyech’s first-ever stint in Moroccan club football, having spent his entire career in Europe with teams including Heerenveen, Twente, Ajax, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. Wydad’s announcement on social media read, "The world waits ... The wizard is here, Ziyech at Wydad," celebrating the return of one of the nation’s most iconic talents.

According to Ait Mena, Ziyech will arrive in Casablanca next week to be officially presented and begin training immediately with his new team-mates. Ziyech’s decision ends months of speculation about his future following his exit from Al-Duhail in May. With his fitness now fully restored and his focus renewed, the move represents both a symbolic and sporting homecoming for the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist.

For Ziyech, this is about much more than football - it’s a chance to reconnect with his roots and revive his career on his own terms. After struggling for rhythm in recent years due to injuries and limited opportunities in Europe, the winger is now focused on rediscovering the joy that made him one of the most creative attacking players in the world. His decision to reject Sevilla, who had been exploring a deal before financial constraints halted talks, underlines how deeply personal this move was.

At international level, the timing could not be more fitting. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being hosted in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Ziyech’s return to regular football gives him a chance to reclaim his spot in Walid Regragui’s plans. The national coach has repeatedly said that Ziyech’s absence was purely down to fitness and form, hinting that a revival at Wydad could quickly open the door to a comeback.

Born in the Netherlands, he rose through the ranks at Heerenveen before becoming a sensation at Twente, where his creativity and flair made him one of the Eredivisie’s standout players. His move to Ajax in 2016 transformed his career, as he became a key figure in the club’s remarkable run to the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League semi-final.

A £33 million transfer to Chelsea followed in 2020, and while his time in London brought a Champions League medal in 2021, it was also marred by inconsistency and injuries. Short spells at Galatasaray and Al-Duhail failed to reignite his spark, leading many to question where his next chapter would unfold. Now, by signing with Wydad, Ziyech has found a destination that offers both familiarity, purpose and a place to rediscover his form while giving back to Moroccan football.

Wydad president Ait Mena spoke glowingly about the player’s motivation, revealing that negotiations were "smooth and straightforward." He added: "He made it clear he wanted to play for his country even though he had a few attractive offers on the table."

Ziyech will officially be unveiled in Casablanca next week before linking up with the squad for training. According to Ait Mena, the former Ajax star is "in full physical readiness" and could make his debut shortly after his presentation. Wydad fans are already gearing up for a hero’s welcome, with thousands expected to attend his introduction ceremony at the Mohammed V Stadium.

On the international front, Ziyech’s return to competitive football could accelerate his path back into Morocco’s national setup. Regragui has left the door open for his return, insisting that "if he finds a club and regains his level, he’ll be selected." With Morocco set to host AFCON 2025, Ziyech’s match fitness and performances at Wydad will be closely monitored by the national selectors.