Hakim Ziyech begins Brazilian chapter with Botafogo

This update focuses on Hakim Ziyech Brazil. Hakim Ziyech has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, ready to sign for Botafogo and experience Brazilian football from the inside.

Hakim Ziyech Brazil move welcomed by Botafogo fans

The 33-year-old Moroccan international landed on Tuesday evening at Galeão International Airport, where several Botafogo supporters were waiting to greet him. They see him as a high-profile signing for their club.

The former Ajax and Chelsea player appeared relaxed and smiling after a long journey, taking time to acknowledge the fans and share his first impressions of this new step in his career.

For Moroccans living in Brazil and across South America, his arrival boosts the visibility of Moroccan football in the region. It could also increase local interest in Atlas Lions matches, which many follow from abroad.

Rio, a long-time dream city in a country where football is a lifestyle

Hakim Ziyech has made no secret of his excitement at discovering Brazilian football culture. He explained that Rio de Janeiro had long been on the list of cities he wanted to visit.

“Everything went well. The trip was a bit long, but I’m very excited. Rio has always been on my list of places I wanted to visit, and now it’s become reality,” he said.

The Moroccan was also impressed by the central place football holds in everyday life in Brazil.

“I’m very enthusiastic, because Brazil is the number one country when it comes to football. It’s a way of life, and I want to live this experience,” he added.

For the Moroccan community abroad, this Brazilian adventure offers a new stage on which a key Atlas Lion can shine, after spells in Europe, the Middle East and, most recently, back home in Morocco.

A contract until 2028 and new ties with fans abroad

Before being officially unveiled as a Botafogo player, Hakim Ziyech must still complete his medical. His contract is expected to tie him to the Rio club until December 2028.

This signing marks a fresh chapter in a rich career that has already taken him to:

• Ajax Amsterdam, where he made his name in European competitions;
• Chelsea, with a spell in the Premier League;
• Galatasaray and Al-Duhail;
• and more recently Wydad Casablanca, where he scored nine goals and provided two assists in 16 games last season.

For Moroccans living abroad, this move to Brazil adds a new city to the global map of destinations where they can watch a top Moroccan international up close. Members of the diaspora in Brazil and neighbouring countries now have an extra reason to head to South American stadiums.

This change of continent may also affect how trips between club and national team are organised. Journeys between South America and Morocco are longer and more complex than the usual Europe–Morocco routes. This could prompt fans to keep a closer eye on match calendars and, when relevant, flight options with airlines serving Rio and Casablanca, particularly around international breaks.

In any case, Hakim Ziyech’s arrival at Botafogo confirms Brazilian clubs’ growing interest in Moroccan talent and offers Moroccans worldwide a new source of pride to follow, from Rio to every corner of the globe.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.