Botafogo sign Hakim Ziyech, former Chelsea and Ajax forward, until 2028

Botafogo have officially announced the arrival of Moroccan forward Hakim Ziyech, 33, formerly of Chelsea, Ajax and Galatasaray. The Rio de Janeiro club have handed him a two-and-a-half-year deal until December 2028 as they look to add quality for the final stretch of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

• Ziyech signs with Botafogo until the end of 2028 and will wear the number 22 shirt.
• He joins on a free transfer after leaving Wydad Casablanca, where he scored 9 goals in 16 matches.
• The Moroccan needs about two more weeks of treatment before making his debut.
• He played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, helping Morocco reach the semi-finals in Qatar.
• He will only feature in the Brasileirão: Botafogo are already out of the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.

Hakim Ziyech, new Botafogo player until 2028

The Rio de Janeiro club confirmed the signing of the Moroccan international through their official channels. "Hakim Ziyech is a Botafogo player. A World Cup participant and multiple-time champion in Europe, the centre forward has signed a contract with the Glorioso until the end of 2028," the club stated. It is a major addition for Brazilian football, bringing in a player accustomed to the biggest stage in Europe.

The forward landed in Rio de Janeiro without having fully recovered from an injury picked up a few weeks ago. The coaching staff expect him to need around two weeks of specific work and training before he is ready to play.

Ziyech's career path: Ajax, Chelsea, Galatasaray and Wydad

Born in the Netherlands and naturalised as a Moroccan citizen, Ziyech made his name at Ajax between 2016 and 2020, where he was a key part of the team that came within touching distance of the 2019 Champions League final. His performances earned him a move to Chelsea, where he played from 2020 to 2023 and lifted trophies including the 2021 Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

He later spent time at Galatasaray between 2023 and 2025, and most recently at Wydad Casablanca in Morocco. With the Moroccan club he played 16 matches before terminating his contract, recording nine goals and two assists. His decision to accept Botafogo's offer came after he became a free agent.

What Ziyech adds to Botafogo's attacking setup

Ziyech is a left-footed creative forward who can operate centrally or from the right wing, with an excellent set-piece delivery and a fine final pass. At 33, he arrives at a Botafogo side looking for fresh attacking options for the decisive phase of the Brasileirão after being knocked out of both international competition and the Copa do Brasil.

The Moroccan can play as an attacking midfielder, a winger or even as a false nine, which gives the coach plenty of tactical flexibility. His experience in high-pressure environments is a valuable asset for a dressing room aiming to compete at the top end of the domestic table.

The 2022 World Cup, Ziyech's biggest international stage

With Morocco, Ziyech appeared at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar. At the latter tournament he was one of the leaders of the African side that made history by reaching the semi-finals, knocking out Spain and Portugal along the way. That run cemented his status as one of the most recognisable Moroccan footballers of his generation.

Botafogo's schedule and goals with Ziyech in the Brasileirão

Botafogo are now focused on the remainder of the Campeonato Brasileiro, with the aim of securing a strong position in the table. Once Ziyech completes his fitness work, his arrival should give the Rio attack a significant boost in the upcoming league fixtures.

The club no longer competes in the Copa Libertadores or the Copa do Brasil, so all attention is on the domestic league. Ziyech will wear the number 22 shirt once he makes his debut.