Hakim Ziyech Joins Wydad AC and Sets New World Record. The Moroccan winger celebrates a fresh start at Wydad while breaking a record for most direct assists in a Champions League season. Hakim Ziyech Wydad signing. International star Hakim Ziyech has signed with Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC after a period without a club, and he has already secured a new world record for most direct assists in a single UEFA Champions League campaign. The club announced his arrival on social media on Thursday.Born in the Netherlands but representing Morocco, Ziyech made his name at AFC Ajax before moving to Chelsea FC at the start of the 2020-21 season.
In his first year with Chelsea, he helped the team win the Champions League, adding a major trophy to his résumé.Following the triumph, Ziyech moved on loan to Galatasaray SK in Turkey at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. The move became permanent in July 2024. After about eight months in Istanbul, he left for Qatar’s Al Duhail SC in January 2025. When the 2025-26 season began, Ziyech remained without a club. That changed when Wydad secured his signature just as they prepared for another push in Morocco’s top flight, the Botola Pro 1. The team sits second in the league with three wins and one draw from four matches.With Wydad, Ziyech aims to claim another continental title. The club is set to appear in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, giving him the platform to shine on the African stage.
At 32 years old, he still has plenty to contribute. On the international front, Ziyech last wore the Moroccan shirt in September 2024. With the next FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, he faces a battle for a national-team spot. His move to Wydad could help revive his international career. The freshly minted world record adds an extra layer to this signing. During the Champions League campaign with Chelsea, Ziyech provided more direct assists than any player before in the competition’s history. His creative output shattered previous marks and put his name in the record books.
Beyond the record, Ziyech brings experience, flair and a winning mindset to Wydad. He has played at the highest level of European football, lifted major trophies and earned caps for his country across multiple tournaments. Wydad supporters will expect him to make an immediate impact.Wydad’s management described the signing as a statement of intent. They believe Ziyech’s arrival signals the club’s ambition to dominate domestically and conquer continental tournaments. The club’s fans are also excited to welcome a player of his calibre, who once dazzled in Amsterdam and London. For Ziyech, the move represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to lead. He will hope to rediscover his best form, contribute goals and assists, and enjoy regular game time.
A move back to Africa may also increase his visibility to the national-team coaches ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.In short, Ziyech’s new chapter at Wydad comes at just the right time. The world record he set ensures he arrives on the back of a tangible achievement. His career path from Ajax to Chelsea, Galatasaray, Al-Duhail and now Wydad reflects the journey of a global footballer ready to embrace fresh challenges.As the season unfolds, Wydad will count on Ziyech to bring creativity, leadership and big-match experience. On the continental stage, he aims to help the club lift the Confederation Cup and further build his legend. And for Morocco, a revived Ziyech could prove decisive in the quest for World Cup glory.
