Botafogo has officially announced the signing of Hakim Ziyech, one of the most important players from the generation that led Morocco to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a player who knows what it means to lift the Champions League trophy.
Hakim Ziyech Joins Botafogo
Brazilian soccer has added another major international name.
At 33 years old, the talented attacker begins a new adventure away from Europe and arrives in Rio de Janeiro on a contract through the end of 2028.
Botafogo officially confirmed that Ziyech passed his medical examinations and signed his contract with the club. The Moroccan had arrived in Brazil on Tuesday, September 8, where he was welcomed by supporters of the Brazilian side.
Ziyech Will Wear No. 22 for Botafogo
Some numbers seem to follow players throughout their careers, and No. 22 is once again part of Ziyech’s story.
The Moroccan will wear that number with Botafogo, the same one he used during some of the most important stages of his career and while winning the 2020-21 Champions League as a Chelsea player.
His arrival represents a major addition for a Botafogo side looking to bring experience, creativity, and another difference-maker into its attack for the final stretch of the season.
However, there will be a wait before seeing him in action.
Ziyech is still dealing with physical issues, and initial reports suggest he will need around two weeks of specific training before he is ready to compete. As a result, the club has no intention of rushing his return despite the expectations surrounding his arrival.
From Ajax and Chelsea to a New Adventure in Brazil
Talking about Ziyech means remembering one of the most talented players to emerge from the Eredivisie over the past decade.
After beginning his professional career with Heerenveen and later playing for Twente, the Moroccan found the best version of himself at Ajax.
He was one of the key players on the team that shocked Europe and reached the semifinals of the 2018-19 Champions League. His performances eventually opened the door to Chelsea, where he won the 2020-21 Champions League, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
He later played for Galatasaray and Al-Duhail before returning to Moroccan soccer with Wydad Casablanca.
His spell with Wydad was brief but produced impressive numbers: nine goals and two assists in 16 appearances. After ending his relationship with the Casablanca club, the opportunity emerged to continue his career in Brazil.
Ziyech Joins a League Filled With International Stars
The arrival of Ziyech also confirms a trend that has turned Brazilian soccer into an increasingly attractive destination for players with experience on some of Europe’s biggest stages.
The Moroccan will now share the Brasileirão with names such as Memphis Depay, who continues to play for Corinthians, and Neymar, the biggest star at Santos.
Three players with completely different careers, but with one thing in common: all three spent years playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs and are now part of the Brazilian championship.
Neymar returned to the club where his career began after a journey that took him to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Hilal. Memphis, meanwhile, played for clubs including Manchester United, Lyon, Barcelona, and Atlético de Madrid before becoming one of the biggest names at Corinthians.
Now Ziyech adds another international star to the list.
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A Star From Morocco’s Historic Generation
The new Botafogo player also has an important history at the international level.
Ziyech represented Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but it was in Qatar where he wrote one of the most important chapters of his career.
He was part of the team that shocked the world and became the first African national team to reach the semifinals of a FIFA World Cup.
That historic generation eliminated Spain and Portugal before falling to France, forever changing Morocco’s place in the history of the tournament.
Now the stage will be completely different.
At 33 years old, after playing in the Netherlands, England, Turkey, Qatar, and Morocco, Hakim Ziyech arrives in Brazil to begin another chapter of his career.
No. 22 has a new owner.
And the Glorioso has just added a European champion.
