Hakim Ziyech Nears Move to Brazilian Club Botafogo After Tumultuous Exit
Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech, 33, is reportedly close to joining Brazilian club Botafogo on a contract running until December 2028. The move follows his departure from Wydad Casablanca, where his contract was mutually terminated after a period of tension with the club's management over his contract and salary.
Ziyech's exit from Wydad was reportedly contentious, with him being left out of the squad, removed from training camps, and allegedly asked to train separately. The situation escalated when Ziyech reportedly brought an enforcement officer to document his status before an agreement on his departure was reached.
Botafogo currently sits 13th in the Brazilian league standings with 30 points from 24 matches. If the transfer is finalized, it will mark Ziyech's eighth professional club, following stints at Heerenveen, Twente, Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray, Al-Duhail, and Wydad Casablanca.
Ziyech has been vocal in his support for Palestinians and critical of Israel since October 7th. Following an incident involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans in Amsterdam in November 2024, he posted a story mocking the Israeli fans. This drew a strong reaction, with Israeli player Eran Zahavi calling him a "stupid terrorist supporter." Ziyech has also previously celebrated a championship with Galatasaray while draped in a Palestinian flag and posted other anti-Israel messages.
Professionally, Ziyech's career has been in decline for several years. After successful periods at Ajax and a move to Chelsea in 2020, he played for Galatasaray, then Al-Duhail in Qatar, before returning to Morocco to sign with Wydad. His potential move to Botafogo would represent a new chapter in South America.
