Hakim Ziyech captivated Casablanca on Wednesday night without kicking a ball.
The Moroccan international, newly signed by Wydad Athletic Club, attended the explosive city derby against Raja Casablanca — a rescheduled clash from the fifth round of the Botola Pro.
His simple presence inside the Stade Mohammed V ignited an already electric atmosphere, turning the stands into a sea of energy and anticipation.
Ziyech, who arrived at the stadium with his mother, became the evening’s most talked-about figure.
Cameras constantly tracked his every move, capturing his calm smile and composed demeanor as he enjoyed the intensity of Morocco’s biggest football rivalry.
A short clip of him circulating on social media quickly went viral, showing the 32-year-old soaking in the spectacle that defines Casablanca’s passionate football culture.
On the pitch, Wydad and Raja delivered a fierce contest full of tackles, tension, and drama. Both sides played with pride and determination but failed to break the deadlock, leaving fans eager for more.
In the stands, however, all eyes drifted repeatedly toward Ziyech, who seemed already at home among the Wydad faithful.
Yet, behind the cheers and celebration, a hint of frustration surrounds the winger’s situation. Ziyech remains ineligible to play in the Botola until January, delaying his long-awaited debut for Wydad.
The wait complicates his ambitions ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from December 21 to January 18.
Each passing week reduces his chances of earning match fitness before the continental tournament.
Despite the setback, Ziyech might still find a way onto the pitch sooner. The CAF Confederation Cup offers an alternative route for him to return to competitive action.
Wydad could include him in their squad for the competition, giving him an opportunity to regain sharpness, impress national coach Walid Regragui, and strengthen his case for AFCON selection.
Ziyech’s move to Wydad represents both a homecoming and a fresh challenge. The former Chelsea winger signed a deal running until 2027, with an option for an additional year.
The transfer stands as a major statement of intent from the Moroccan giants, who invested heavily in a player eager to revive his career after a period of inconsistency.
In Casablanca, Ziyech has rediscovered what makes football special — emotion, noise, and connection.
His name now echoes through the city’s streets, even before he makes his debut.
The fans’ excitement mirrors their belief that he can lead Wydad into a new era of dominance and restore his place among Africa’s elite footballers.
For now, he remains a spectator, waiting for the moment he can swap the VIP stands for the roar of the pitch. But one thing is clear: Hakim Ziyech doesn’t need to play to command Casablanca’s attention — his mere presence already does that.
