Wydad Casablanca call on World Cup experience to revive title challenge

Wydad Casablanca have responded to a disappointing first season under their new project by bringing Morocco internationals Yahya Attiat-Allah and Yahya Jabrane back to the club on one-season deals.

The Casablanca side are determined to return quickly to the top of Moroccan and continental football, and have turned to two players with extensive experience of both the club and the international stage.

Attiat-Allah, 31, returns to Wydad after spells in Russia and Egypt. The left-back came through the academy at Olympique de Safi before spending four seasons at Wydad, where he established himself as an influential player and made a strong impression.

He left for Sochi in 2024 and was subsequently loaned to Al-Ahly. His latest move sees him return to Casablanca on a short-term contract.

The defender has won 22 caps for Morocco and was part of the squad that made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Initially the deputy to Noussair Mazraoui, Attiat-Allah gradually became more involved as the tournament progressed.

He came on during Morocco’s last-16 tie against Spain before being selected to start against Portugal in the quarter-finals. In that match, he delivered the decisive cross for Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal.

Attiat-Allah also featured in the semi-final against France and the third-place play-off against Croatia. He had been a regular presence in Walid Regragui’s Morocco squads and played at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, although he has not been called up since 2024.

Jabrane’s return carries particular significance for Wydad. The 35-year-old midfielder spent five seasons with the club and was captain for a sustained period, helping establish himself as one of its senior figures.

He came close to returning last summer but instead moved to Libya to join Al-Ahly Benghazi. That move has now been followed by a return to the club where he won several honours and built a reputation as a key leader.

Jabrane made his Morocco debut under Vahid Halilhodzic and, like Attiat-Allah, was selected by Regragui for the 2022 World Cup. He came on against Canada and later made another substitute appearance against Portugal. He has 18 caps for the Lions of the Atlas.

The two signings underline Wydad’s decision to prioritise experience, familiarity with the club and international pedigree as they attempt to recover from a highly disappointing campaign.

Attiat-Allah and Jabrane will join a squad built around Hakim Ziyech, with the pair expected to help restore confidence and raise the team’s level immediately.

Wydad’s strategy is clear: rely on trusted figures who understand the demands of the club and can help return the team to the position of serious contenders for domestic and continental honours.