Hakim Ziyech, the talented winger for Galatasaray and a key figure in Moroccan football, is enduring a challenging phase both on and off the pitch. Since joining the Turkish club in the summer of 2023, the 31-year-old has struggled to make an impact under coach Okan Buruk. His limited playing time, including just four minutes against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League and five minutes in the league against Eyüpspor, reflects a disappointing season, with only one assist in ten appearances.
Ziyech’s on-field struggles are affecting his national team prospects. Absent from recent call-ups, the Atlas Lion (64 caps, 25 goals) risks losing his spot in Morocco’s squad. Head coach Walid Regragui has emphasized selecting in-form players who can perform consistently at a high level, casting doubt on Ziyech’s return to the national team.
Off-field controversies have further complicated Ziyech’s situation. According to reports, his future with the Moroccan team is influenced by political factors. Ziyech allegedly criticized the Moroccan government’s stance on the Zionist aggression on Gaza, prompting direct intervention from King Mohammed VI, who reportedly ordered his exclusion from the national squad.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding Ziyech’s career, which is marked by underwhelming performances and political controversies. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, speculation about his potential return to the Atlas Lions remains uncertain, hinging on both his form at Galatasaray and his standing with the Moroccan football federation.
