Hakim Ziyech: the "stupid" choice that made him a hero

Van Basten did not hesitate to describe this choice as "stupid", believing that Ziyech was jeopardizing his career by opting for a less prestigious selection than the Netherlands. But Ziyech has never followed the path laid out by others. Endowed with immense talent and a complex personality, he has always assumed his choices, even the most daring ones. His journey, strewn with pitfalls and controversies, has ultimately led him to become a national hero in Morocco.

Born in Dronten, the Netherlands, to Moroccan parents, Ziyech grew up in a modest environment. Football was his escape, a way to assert himself and escape from daily reality. His raw talent soon caught the eye, and he quickly joined the youth teams of the Netherlands.

However, Ziyech never really found his place within the Dutch national team. His rebellious character and daring choices did not fit the traditional vision of football advocated by the federation. In 2015, he made the controversial decision to play for Morocco, the country of his ancestors.

This choice was seen as a betrayal by some in the Netherlands, and Van Basten did not hesitate to lambast him publicly. "It’s a stupid choice," he said. "He’s a great player, but he doesn’t have his head on his shoulders."

But Ziyech has never been destabilized by the criticism. He has always believed in his talent and his destiny. In Morocco, he found a selection that suited him, a team where he could finally express his full potential.

Under the guidance of Walid Regragui, Ziyech became an indispensable member of the national team. His refined technique, his vision of the game and his combativeness allowed Morocco to achieve an exceptional run at the World Cup in Qatar.

By reaching the semi-finals of the competition, Morocco wrote a new page in its football history. And Ziyech, the enfant terrible of Dutch football, has become a national hero in his country of origin.

Ziyech’s story is a story of courage, perseverance and assumed choices. It is the story of a player who has managed to defy the odds and write his own legend. The "stupidity" of his choice has turned into a magnificent success, a resounding revenge on his detractors.