Hakim Ziyech to make Wydad Athletic Club debut in January 2026, says club president Aït Menna

Morocco international Hakim Ziyech will have to wait until January 2026 before making his official debut for Wydad Casablanca, club president Hicham Aït Menna has confirmed.

The 31-year-old winger, who recently joined the Moroccan giants as a free agent on a year-and-a-half deal, is expected to begin training with the squad next Thursday.

However, he will not be eligible to feature in domestic league matches until the winter transfer window opens.

Despite the restriction, Wydad are reportedly making efforts to register Ziyech for the CAF Confederation Cup, which could allow him to make his first competitive appearance before the end of the year.

Ziyech’s decision to return home has sparked widespread debate among supporters. Having spent his entire professional career in Europe with clubs such as Ajax, Chelsea, and Galatasaray, many expected him to remain overseas.

His move to Wydad marks his first-ever stint in the Moroccan top flight.

Born in the Netherlands to Moroccan parents, Ziyech has long embraced his Moroccan identity, representing the Atlas Lions on the international stage.

Renowned for his creativity, vision, and trademark left foot, Ziyech first rose to prominence at Ajax Amsterdam, where he inspired the team’s run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

He later joined Chelsea in 2020, helping the Blues lift the Champions League trophy a year later.

On the international front, Ziyech has been a key figure for Morocco, playing at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.

He was instrumental in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar, becoming part of the first African team ever to reach that stage of the competition.