Moroccan attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech has officially signed with Al Duhail, the current leaders of Qatar’s top football league. The club, nicknamed the “Red and Grey,” confirmed the transfer on Thursday. Ziyech, who arrives from Galatasaray, embarks on the latest chapter of a career already rich in achievements and global recognition.
A superstar signing for Al Duhail
Al Duhail wasted no time expressing their excitement over this high-profile acquisition. In an official statement on their website, the club emphasized Ziyech’s world-class talent and the wealth of experience he brings from Europe’s elite leagues.
“With this signing, Al Duhail secures a world-class player with extensive experience at the highest level,” read the announcement. Club management and coaching staff are counting on Ziyech’s creativity, pinpoint passing, and game-changing instincts to inject new life into their attacking play.
A storied career full of triumphs and challenges
At 31, Ziyech has left a lasting impression on football fans worldwide thanks to his unique blend of technical mastery and tactical vision. Born in the Netherlands, he began his professional journey with FC Twente before skyrocketing to stardom at Ajax Amsterdam. His standout performances helped propel Ajax to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2019, earning him recognition as one of Europe’s top playmakers.
Ziyech’s success at Ajax paved the way for a move to Chelsea in 2020. However, his time in London was marred by inconsistency and recurring injuries. In 2023, he was loaned to Turkish giants Galatasaray, later making a permanent transfer in 2024. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague him, limiting Ziyech to just 11 appearances this season across all competitions.
A hero of Morocco’s historic World Cup journey
While club setbacks have tested his resilience, Ziyech’s performances for the Moroccan national team remain legendary. He played a crucial role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar—the first time an African and Arab nation had reached that stage. His intelligence and impact on the pitch helped cement Morocco’s place in football history, earning him a spot among the country’s sporting icons.
Looking ahead: Ziyech’s goals in Qatar
Wearing the number 93 jersey, Ziyech now aims to elevate Al Duhail’s dominance in the Qatari league and lead them to glory on the Asian stage. This move could also serve as a much-needed opportunity for him to regain his full physical fitness and rediscover his best form.
Fans of Al Duhail and football enthusiasts across Qatar eagerly await Ziyech’s debut for his new club. With his flair, creativity, and knack for delivering in clutch moments, Ziyech is set to bring a new level of excitement and spectacle to every match he plays.
