Hakim Ziyech joins Botafogo on free transfer from Wydad AC

Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech has joined Brazilian club Botafogo from Wydad AC on a free transfer, signing a contract that runs until 31 December 2028.

The 33-year-old, who plays on the right wing and favours his left foot, moves to Botafogo after less than a year with Wydad. He joined the Moroccan club from Qatar side Al-Duhail on 23 October 2025, also on a free transfer.

Ziyech’s move to Brazil adds a player with extensive experience in European football and a record of major honours to Botafogo’s squad. During his career, he won the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, as well as the UEFA Super Cup.

He also enjoyed a successful spell at Ajax, winning the Dutch league and Dutch Cup in the 2018-19 season. Ziyech was named Footballer of the Year in the Netherlands in 2018 and helped Ajax reach the Europa League final in 2017.

The attacking player began his senior career with Heerenveen before moving to FC Twente in 2014. He joined Ajax from Twente in August 2016 for a reported €11m transfer fee, and Chelsea signed him in 2020 for €40m.

Ziyech later played for Galatasaray, initially joining the Turkish club from Chelsea on loan in August 2023 before making the move permanent in July 2024. He won the Turkish league twice with Galatasaray, in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, and also lifted the Turkish Super Cup.

His final move before joining Botafogo came in January 2025, when he left Galatasaray for Al-Duhail. After his spell in Qatar and subsequent season with Wydad, Ziyech now begins the next stage of his career in Brazil.

Botafogo have secured the former Chelsea and Ajax winger without a transfer fee, with the deal confirmed on 10 September 2026.