Former Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech is set to move to Brazilian football after cancelling his contract with Moroccan side Wydad AC, bringing his brief spell with the Casablanca-based club to an end.
The Morocco international is now expected to begin a new chapter in South America, with Brazilian side Botafogo preparing to complete a deal for the experienced attacking midfielder.
Ziyech is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this week before signing a contract with Botafogo that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028 season.
The move will represent another major change in the 33-year-old’s career, with Ziyech having played in three different countries since leaving Chelsea.
Following his departure from Stamford Bridge, the Moroccan spent time in Turkey with Galatasaray before moving to Qatar to join Al-Duhail. He subsequently returned to his homeland, signing for Wydad Casablanca.
His time at Wydad proved to be relatively short, with Ziyech making 16 appearances for the club and scoring nine goals during his spell.
He has now cancelled his contract with Wydad, allowing him to pursue the opportunity in Brazil.
Botafogo will hope Ziyech can bring creativity and attacking quality to a side currently sitting 13th in the Série A standings.
The Moroccan has built his reputation around his technical ability, vision and capacity to create chances from advanced positions, qualities that could prove valuable to Botafogo as they look to improve their position in the Brazilian top flight.
The transfer also continues a remarkable journey for Ziyech, who was once one of the most influential attacking players in European football during his time at Ajax before earning a move to Chelsea.
Softfootball reported in 2025 that Ziyech had agreed a deal to join Wydad Casablanca after becoming a free agent following his departure from Galatasaray.
At the time, the then-31-year-old had attracted offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe but ultimately decided to return to Morocco and represent one of the country’s most successful and historic clubs.
His decision to join Wydad marked an emotional return home, but after just 16 appearances and nine goals, that chapter has now come to an end.
Ziyech will instead take on an entirely new challenge in Brazil, with Botafogo hoping his experience of playing at the highest level can help transform their attacking fortunes.
If the move is completed as expected, Ziyech will become the latest high-profile international player to make the switch to Brazilian football, while his contract running through the end of the 2028 season could give him the opportunity to establish himself as an important figure in Botafogo’s long-term project.
