Wydad re-sign Morocco defender Yahya Attiat Allah to bolster squad

Wydad Athletic Club have completed the return of Moroccan international Yahya Attiat Allah, with the left-back signing a one-year contract ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Casablanca giants confirmed the deal on Sunday as they continue to reshape their squad, bringing back one of the key figures from the club’s recent domestic and continental successes.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, and Wydad did not reveal whether the contract includes an option to extend beyond next season.

Familiar face returns to Casablanca

Attiat Allah returns to Wydad after spells with Russian side PFC Sochi and Egyptian club Al Ahly, where he spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan.

The 31-year-old had initially joined Wydad in 2019 following a short stint in Greece with Volos and quickly established himself as a regular on the left side of defence.

His return comes after reports suggested that Wydad were keen to strengthen a position that has lacked consistency since his departure.

Club officials see the experienced defender as a reliable solution as they prepare for another campaign in both domestic and continental competitions.

Key figure in Wydad’s golden era

During his first spell in Casablanca, Attiat Allah played an important role in one of the most successful periods in Wydad’s recent history.

The Safi-born defender helped the club win back-to-back Botola Pro titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons and was part of the side that defeated Al Ahly 2-0 to lift the 2022 CAF Champions League trophy.

A year later, Wydad reached another continental final, with Attiat Allah scoring in the second leg against Al Ahly at the Mohammed V Stadium, although the Egyptian side went on to win the title 3-2 on aggregate.

His arrival follows the return of former captain Yahya Jabrane and midfielder Aymane El Hassouni, two players who also formed part of the successful team coached by Walid Regragui.

World Cup hero adds experience

Attiat Allah’s reputation grew beyond Moroccan football during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he played a crucial role in the Atlas Lions’ historic run to the semi-finals.

The defender stepped into the starting line-up after Noussair Mazraoui suffered an injury and provided the cross for Youssef En-Nesyri’s decisive goal against Portugal in the quarter-finals.

That victory made Morocco the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a men’s World Cup.

Since leaving Wydad in February 2024, Attiat Allah has gained experience in Russia and Egypt, adding to his previous spell in Greece.

Wydad banking on experience

The return of Attiat Allah underlines Wydad’s strategy of reuniting with players who understand the club’s culture and have previously delivered success.

For the defender, the move offers the chance to rediscover his best form and secure regular playing time in familiar surroundings.

For Wydad, meanwhile, his arrival adds experience, leadership and proven quality as the club looks to challenge for major honours once again in the 2026-27 season.