Ziyech Snubs Brazilian Offer, Eyes Gulf Return Amid AFCON 2026 Hopes

Between Brazil and the Gulf, Hakim Ziyech is said to have made a choice. According to journalist Medeiros, the Moroccan international "would have been offered to Botafogo, currently second-to-last in Serie B after 17 rounds, who would have made inquiries," but the former Ajax star is not interested in the Brazilian championship. The 32-year-old player would prefer to return to the Gulf where his profile interests certain clubs.

Currently, Ziyech is without a club. He mutually terminated his contract with Al Duhail, after only four months of collaboration. He arrived in Qatar last January, after a period of "two or three months" of inactivity at Galatasaray, in Turkey. He scored one goal and provided one assist in 13 appearances, across all competitions.

If he manages to join a club and starts to shine, he could have the opportunity to participate in the next Africa Cup of Nations scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco. This is actually the condition that Walid Regragui, coach of the Moroccan national team, has set for him to be called up.