Hakim Ziyech marks birthday as Wydad Casablanca show appreciation

Wydad Casablanca marked Hakim Ziyech’s 33rd birthday with a special gift that reflected his status within the club.

The Moroccan midfielder, widely known as “The Wizard,” received a customised birthday cake on Thursday, presented in Wydad’s red and white colours at the team’s training ground.

The cake featured a miniature football pitch, golden balls, the club crest, and Ziyech’s nickname prominently displayed.

Photos shared by the club show Ziyech smiling alongside teammates, highlighting the camaraderie within the squad.

The celebrations also included a flare set off by the player and a photo with his mother, who was present during his signing with the club last October.

“This was a wonderful surprise,” a club source said, reflecting the atmosphere captured in the social media posts.

The gesture was widely seen as a demonstration of the club’s appreciation for Ziyech’s contributions both on and off the pitch.

Ziyech’s birthday comes as Wydad prepare for the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final against OC Safi.

The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with Wydad taking the lead in the 67th minute before conceding an equaliser in the 89th.

Ziyech missed the opening match due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return next Sunday, according to bladi.net.

The midfielder’s absence has been felt on the field, and he has also voiced criticism over officiating in previous African competitions. His potential return is seen as a boost to Wydad’s chances in the upcoming fixture, where they will seek to secure a place in the semi-finals.

For Ziyech, the celebrations offered a personal highlight amid the team’s competitive schedule, combining family, teammates, and a reminder of his nickname that has become synonymous with his style of play.

The club’s gesture underscores both their recognition of his talent and the close relationship between player and team.