Botafogo sign Morocco international Hakim Ziyech on free transfer

Botafogo have announced the signing of Morocco international Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer, with the 33-year-old agreeing a contract with the Brazilian club until the end of 2028.

Ziyech joined Botafogo after mutually terminating his deal with Wydad, whom he signed for during the winter transfer window. He made 16 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals, before undergoing surgery to remove his appendix.

The former Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea winger said he was excited to begin his latest challenge after arriving in Brazil.

“Everything went well. The journey was a little long, but I am very excited,” Ziyech told reporters. “Rio has always been on my list of places I wanted to visit, and now that has become a reality.”

He added: “I am very excited. Brazil is the number one country when it comes to football. It is a way of life, and I want to experience it.”

Ziyech established himself at Ajax Amsterdam between 2016 and 2020, before moving to Chelsea for 40m euros in July 2020.

He also made 64 international appearances for Morocco, scoring 25 goals. Ziyech was part of the Morocco squad that finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup.

Botafogo are currently 13th in the Brazilian league, with 30 points from 24 matches.

The move reunites Ziyech with a new club after his departure from Wydad by mutual consent and gives Botafogo an experienced international forward for the remainder of their campaign.