Hakim Ziyech hopes Morocco return but denies giving interview to Mohamed Ouahbi

Hakim Ziyech is reportedly hoping to revive his Morocco career after joining Botafogo, although the 33-year-old has denied giving an interview in which he appealed to head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The former Chelsea player is understood to be targeting a return to the national team after being left out since September 2024. However, he will not feature in Morocco’s squad for the next international break or their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon on 25 September in Rabat and Lesotho on 29 September in Bloemfontein.

Ziyech recently moved to Botafogo after being pushed out of Wydad Casablanca. He is reported to have discussed the reasons behind that decision with Africafoot and is hoping to rediscover his form in the Brasileirao.

The left-footed attacker has endured difficult spells in England, Turkey and Morocco. He reportedly believes success in Brazil could help him earn another opportunity with the Atlas Lions, for whom he has won 64 caps and scored 25 goals.

His position within the national team became more uncertain after he supported the Palestinian cause and publicly criticised the government of Morocco, accusing it of supporting “the genocide” in Gaza. His prospects were also affected by the emergence of new players and increased competition for places in his position.

Ziyech was left out during Walid Regragui’s time as manager, despite having been part of the Morocco side that reached a historic World Cup semi-final four years ago. He has not been selected by Ouahbi since the coach took charge and consequently missed the 2026 World Cup.

The reported comments suggested Ziyech was aware of the competition for places and wanted to demonstrate that he could still contribute at international level. They were also interpreted as an appeal to Ouahbi to reconsider his position.

However, the story was challenged by Ziyech himself. Responding beneath a post on social media, the Amsterdam-born player wrote: “I have never given an interview.”

That denial has cast doubt over the reported message to the Morocco manager, but Ziyech remains unavailable for the country’s upcoming qualifiers. His immediate focus is therefore expected to be on establishing himself at Botafogo and attempting to regain the form that could put him back into contention for international selection.