Hakim Ziyech is hoping his recent switch to Qatari club football will open the door for his return to the Morocco national team.
The talented winger has been sidelined by Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui in recent months, and Ziyech is determined to regain his place.
After parting ways with Galatasaray under contentious circumstances, Ziyech has joined Al Duhail in search of consistent playing time. “I signed here to have playing time. I wish to get back in shape so that I can return to the national team and play in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” he explained.
The 31-year-old, who played a key role in Morocco’s historic World Cup run in 2022, made his first appearance for the Atlas Lions in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea. However, his recent departure from Galatasaray came after his playing time sharply declined during the 2024-25 season.
Regragui has made it clear that Ziyech needs to earn his place: “There is no controversy, everything is clear. He has to work and play more.”
