Hakim Ziyech joins Botafogo on a free transfer until 2028

Botafogo have officially signed Morocco international Hakim Ziyech on a free transfer, with the 33-year-old agreeing a contract that runs until the end of 2028.

The Brazilian club confirmed the move on Thursday through its official account on X, describing Ziyech as a World Cup player and a multiple European champion. The announcement welcomed the attacking midfielder to Botafogo, using the phrase “The Magician has arrived” and confirming the length of his deal.

Ziyech’s arrival marks a new chapter in his career and his first experience of playing in Brazil. He joins Botafogo after a career that has included spells with Ajax, Chelsea and Galatasaray, as well as a brief period with Moroccan club Wydad.

The former Morocco international was one of his country’s leading players at the 2022 World Cup, helping the Atlas Lions reach fourth place in the tournament.

The formal announcement came several hours after Ziyech landed in Rio de Janeiro. He was met at the airport by Botafogo’s director of football, Leo Coelho, before dozens of supporters gathered outside Galeao International Airport to welcome him.

Fans chanted in support of the Morocco player, including “assalamu alaikum” in Arabic. The reception attracted widespread attention, with images and videos of the welcome circulating after his arrival.

Ziyech said he was excited about beginning the new challenge and revealed that playing in Brazil had long been one of his ambitions.

“Everything went well. The journey was a little long, but it was comfortable. I am very excited,” he told Botafogo’s official channel. “This is my first visit to Brazil, but it has always been one of my wishes, and now it has become a reality.”

He added: “Brazil is number one in the world of football. It is a way of life here, and that is something that touches my heart and I am eager to experience.”

Botafogo’s announcement highlighted Ziyech’s achievements in Europe and his contribution to Morocco’s historic World Cup campaign. His move to the Brazilian club now takes him into a different football environment, with his contract keeping him at Botafogo until the end of 2028.