After months without a club, Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech – a Champions League winner with Chelsea – has surprised the football world by returning to his homeland to join Wydad Casablanca, one of Morocco’s most historic clubs. His homecoming marks a new chapter in a career filled with brilliance, challenges, and redemption.
The comeback after months in limbo
On October 22, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Hakim Ziyech officially signed with Wydad Casablanca, Morocco’s most decorated football club. The move came as a surprise to many, as the 32-year-old playmaker had previously been linked with clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Following his departure from Al-Duhail (Qatar) earlier this year, Ziyech found himself without a team for nearly five months. Time was running out for the once-celebrated “Wizard of Chelsea.” Many feared his career would fade quietly into the background. Yet, Ziyech chose a different path — to return home, to Morocco, where his football dreams first began.
Currently sitting second in the Moroccan league, Wydad Casablanca trails leaders Maghreb de Fès by just one point with a game in hand. The arrival of Ziyech is expected to boost their title chances and inject renewed excitement among Moroccan football fans.
“The Wizard” returns — a story of national pride
For the Moroccan people, Ziyech is more than a footballer. He represents ambition, artistry, and national pride. As a central figure in Morocco’s fairytale run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals, Ziyech helped his country become the first African nation ever to reach that stage.
His return home carries profound meaning. On one hand, it reflects a personal desire to play closer to family and in a less pressurized environment. On the other, it may serve as a stepping stone to maintain fitness and form — perhaps keeping the door open for the 2026 World Cup.
Social media erupted with emotion following the news. “Ziyech is home. Even if his glory days are behind him, he remains Morocco’s pride,” wrote one fan. Others believe his presence will elevate Wydad Casablanca’s play and bring greater visibility to domestic Moroccan football.
Glory days and the fall in Europe
Before returning to Africa, Hakim Ziyech’s career was a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. He first rose to prominence in the Netherlands, starring for Heerenveen and Twente, before becoming a creative powerhouse at Ajax Amsterdam.
The 2018–19 season marked his peak. Under Erik ten Hag, Ajax stunned Europe by defeating Real Madrid and Juventus to reach the Champions League semifinals. Ziyech’s flair, vision, and goalscoring made him one of Europe’s most sought-after playmakers, eventually earning him a £40 million move to Chelsea in 2020.
At Stamford Bridge, Ziyech’s technical brilliance and elegant left foot quickly won fans over. Dubbed “The Moroccan Wizard,” he helped Chelsea lift the 2020/21 Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, injuries, tactical changes, and fierce competition gradually eroded his place in the lineup. When Mauricio Pochettino arrived, Ziyech was no longer part of the plan. Stints with Galatasaray and Al-Duhail followed — brief attempts to revive a fading career — until his eventual exit from European football.
Wydad Casablanca: The final chance for rebirth?
Ziyech’s move to Wydad is not a surrender — it’s a statement. It’s a chance to reignite his passion in front of fans who adore him, and in a club that symbolizes Moroccan football excellence. Wydad, a three-time CAF Champions League winner, provides the perfect platform for him to lead by example.
Despite being past 30, Ziyech’s creativity and experience remain invaluable. He can become the tactical heart of Wydad’s offense while inspiring Morocco’s next generation of footballers — those who dream of following his path to Europe.
In his unveiling, Wydad’s head coach said:
“Ziyech is the son of Morocco. He’s not just coming back to play — he’s here to share his spirit, passion, and national pride with the younger players.”
Wearing his iconic number 22 jersey, Ziyech will once again showcase the artistry that once lit up Ajax and Chelsea. The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, known for its roaring atmosphere, is set to become the stage for his long-awaited redemption.
When football becomes more than fame
Some may see Ziyech’s return to Africa as a step backward. Yet, in another light, it’s a bold and deeply personal decision. After all, football is not only about trophies — it’s also about joy, identity, and connection.
Ziyech once said in an interview:
“I play football for love. Without joy, even victory means nothing.”
Perhaps that’s why he’s chosen to return to where it all began — to rediscover the purest form of the game, where cheers come not from global headlines but from the hearts of his people.
A rebirth on home soil
From the heights of Champions League glory to a new beginning in Casablanca, Hakim Ziyech’s journey embodies both the fragility and resilience of a footballer’s life. His story reminds us that success isn’t always measured in silverware — sometimes it’s about finding purpose again.
Now back where his dream started, Ziyech has the chance to write one more magical chapter — not with fame or fortune, but with passion, pride, and the undying spirit of the “Moroccan Wizard.”