The Netherlands wanted him. Hakim Ziyech chose Morocco. In 2015, the talented winger, born and raised in the Dutch town of Dronten to Moroccan parents, decided to represent his parents’ homeland. Seven years later, he was one of the leaders of the Moroccan team that became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Early life
Ziyech was born in 1993 in Dronten, the youngest of nine children. His father died when he was ten, and he has spoken about the difficulties of his teenage years. Football gave him direction.
Heerenveen and Twente
He developed at Heerenveen, then moved to Twente, where his creative left foot and set-piece skills made him one of the most exciting players in the Dutch league.
Ajax
At Ajax from 2016, Ziyech became a star. He was central to the team that reached the Europa League final in 2017 and the Champions League semi-final in 2019. His passing and long-range shooting were his trademarks.
Chelsea
He joined Chelsea in 2020 and won the Champions League with the club in 2021, coming on as a substitute in the final. His time at Chelsea was inconsistent, with injuries and changing managers.
Choosing Morocco
Ziyech played for Dutch youth teams but chose Morocco for his senior career. He made his debut in 2015 and became one of the team’s key creative players.
Falling out and return
Under coach Vahid Halilhodžić, Ziyech was left out of the squad, missing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. When Walid Regragui became coach in 2022, he recalled Ziyech.
Qatar 2022
At the 2022 World Cup, Ziyech scored against Canada and played a key role as Morocco topped their group, then beat Spain on penalties and Portugal 1-0 to reach the semi-final. Morocco finished fourth.
Galatasaray
He later moved to Galatasaray in Turkey, where he won the league title.
Generosity
Ziyech has reportedly donated his Moroccan national team earnings to charity and supported earthquake victims in Morocco in 2023.
Diaspora players
Many of Morocco’s 2022 squad were born or raised in Europe. Ziyech’s decision was part of a wider trend of diaspora players choosing African national teams.
Ziyech once had a choice between two countries. Morocco’s World Cup run showed why the choice mattered so much to the country that got him.
