Hakim Ziyech officially joins Botafogo

It is now official: Hakim Ziyech is a player for Botafogo. The Brazilian club announced on Thursday, September 10, the arrival of the 33-year-old Moroccan international, just a few days after the end of his adventure with Wydad Casablanca. The Lion of the Atlas has signed with the Rio de Janeiro team until December 2028 and will experience the Brazilian championship for the first time in his career.

Botafogo chose a special presentation to introduce their new signing, notably referring to Ziyech as a “magician.” The former Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea player arrives with an impressive resume: a semi-finalist in the Champions League with Ajax in 2019, a winner of the competition with Chelsea in 2021, and a member of the Moroccan national team that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Ziyech had already sensed the excitement surrounding his arrival on Tuesday evening. Upon his arrival at Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, the Moroccan was welcomed by around 200 Botafogo supporters, who came with flags and songs to celebrate his arrival. The player, who arrived from Amsterdam, was greeted by football director Léo Coelho before addressing the club’s media for the first time.

The Moroccan did not hide his enthusiasm about discovering Brazil. “I am very excited. It’s my first time here, but it has always been on my list. Now, it has become a reality,” he explained. Ziyech also emphasized the special significance Brazil holds in the world of football: “It’s the number one country in football. It’s a way of life that touches me and that I want to discover.”

Even before leaving the Netherlands, the Moroccan international had already sent a very brief message to the supporters of his new team: “Botafogo, see you soon.” This initial contact quickly generated excitement in Brazil.

On the sporting front, Botafogo had been looking for several weeks for a player capable of occupying the right side of the attack while also playing centrally. Ziyech fits this profile perfectly with his left foot and ability to create chances in the final third. He is also expected to wear the number 22, which he notably wore during his most significant years at Ajax and Chelsea, although this detail still requires final confirmation from the club.

However, his sporting integration is expected to be gradual. Local media reports a specific preparation period of about two weeks to allow him to regain optimal physical condition before being launched into competition. His date of first appearance with Botafogo has not yet been officially set.

Ziyech joins Botafogo after a short but productive stint at Wydad Casablanca. While wearing the colors of the Casablanca club, the Moroccan played 16 matches, scored nine goals, and provided two assists before the termination of his contract. He now finds himself in a completely different environment after playing in the Netherlands, England, Turkey, Qatar, and Morocco.

At 33, the Lion of the Atlas is taking on a new challenge in one of the most followed leagues in South America, with the ambition of finding continuity and playing an important role in Botafogo’s offensive sector.