Hakim Ziyech has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Wydad Casablanca and made it clear that the door to the Morocco national team remains open — but only if he earns his way back.
The 33-year-old winger recently completed a move to Brazilian side Botafogo after ending his short spell with Wydad by mutual agreement.
Now, Ziyech has explained that his departure was not driven by money and revealed what ultimately changed his plans in Casablanca.
His message to Morocco is equally clear: he wants another chance with the Atlas Lions, but he does not expect special treatment.
Ziyech explains why Wydad chapter ended
Ziyech returned to Morocco with Wydad after several years playing abroad, with the move carrying plenty of personal significance.
According to the player, being closer to his family and playing in front of Moroccan supporters were major reasons behind the decision.
However, the relationship eventually became more complicated.
Ziyech said disagreements developed over working conditions and financial matters after circumstances at the club changed. Rather than allowing the situation to continue, both sides eventually agreed to end the relationship.
The separation was formally confirmed by Wydad on September 6, bringing an end to a spell that lasted less than a year.
Despite the difficult conclusion, Ziyech insists he has no regrets about returning home.
His numbers made the exit even more surprising
Ziyech's time at Wydad was short, but it was not without impact.
The Moroccan made 16 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing two assists.
Those numbers underline why his departure attracted so much attention, particularly after he had begun showing flashes of the player who previously established himself at Ajax and Chelsea.
But Ziyech's explanation suggests the decision was about more than performances on the pitch.
He wanted an environment where he could concentrate fully on football, and Botafogo ultimately provided what he believed was the right opportunity.
Why Ziyech chose Brazil
The move to Brazil represents another major change in an already unusual career journey.
Ziyech said money was not the deciding factor, despite having other options that could have been more attractive financially.
Instead, he wanted a different footballing challenge and an environment that could help him rediscover his enjoyment of the game.
Brazil's football culture was particularly appealing.
Botafogo offered him a long-term project, with the player signing a contract running until the end of 2028.
Ziyech also rejected the idea that Brazil represents the final stage of his career.
At 33, he says he still wants to compete, score, create and win trophies.
Ziyech sets his condition for Morocco return
The most intriguing part of his latest comments concerns the national team.
Ziyech has not played for Morocco since September 2024 and was left out of Mohamed Ouahbi's plans for the 2026 World Cup.
The new coach has repeatedly emphasised performance and physical readiness when explaining his selection decisions.
Ziyech now appears to accept that principle.
He has not demanded a recall or suggested that his reputation should guarantee another opportunity. Instead, he says his performances at Botafogo must make the argument for him.
That effectively leaves the door open.
If Ziyech performs at the level he believes he can reach, and Ouahbi believes he deserves another opportunity, the player says he would be delighted to wear the Morocco shirt again.
For now, however, the responsibility is on him.
The Botafogo chapter could change everything
Ziyech's next few months could therefore have consequences beyond his new club.
A strong spell in Brazil would give him an opportunity to demonstrate that his best football is still within reach while also putting pressure on the Morocco selection debate.
His history with the Atlas Lions gives the story an additional emotional dimension. Ziyech was one of the prominent figures in Morocco's historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
He clearly has not closed that chapter.
But this time, he wants to earn his way back rather than expect the door to be opened for him.
The message is simple: if Ziyech can make the pitch speak loudly enough at Botafogo, Morocco may have to listen.
Fan Debate
⚽ Goal: Can Ziyech force his way back into the Morocco squad?
🔥 Fire: Was leaving Wydad the right decision for his career?
😲 Shock: Can Ziyech rediscover his best form in Brazil?
👍 Like: Should Morocco give Ziyech another chance?
💬 Comment: What does Ziyech need to do to earn a national-team recall?
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