Hakim Ziyech has reportedly agreed to join Brazil’s Botafogo, months after his September 2026 exit from Wydad Casablanca amid management disputes.
His time at Wydad Casablanca was brief and turbulent. Ziyech joined the Moroccan club in October 2025 on a deal initially set to run until mid-2027, but left in September 2026 following reported disputes with club management.
On the pitch, he performed well, featuring in 12 to 16 matches with 8 or 9 goals and at least two assists across league and continental competitions. Wydad described the exit as a mutual termination, thanking Ziyech for his professionalism.
Talks with Botafogo were not straightforward. Reports say Ziyech initially agreed personal terms before briefly pulling back, reportedly due to concerns over the quality of Brazilian pitches and advice from other players. Libya’s Al-Ittihad was also linked, but Botafogo remained the favourites throughout. French and Moroccan outlets have since reported that Ziyech accepted Botafogo’s proposal after weeks of hesitation.
Financially, the deal is modest by Brazilian standards for an attacking player, with a base salary below R$1 million per month, topped up by performance-related bonuses that could bring earnings closer to that mark.
At Botafogo, Ziyech is expected to play as a left-footed right winger who cuts inside, filling a tactical role the club has been looking to address. Known throughout his career as a skillful playmaker, his ability to create chances is central to why the club pursued him. The move is regarded as one of the standout additions of Botafogo’s transfer window, with his arrival in Rio de Janeiro scheduled for early in the week of September 8-9, 2026, ahead of medical tests, contract signing, and an official presentation.
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