{"id":293929,"first_name":"Hakim","last_name":"Ziyech","short_name":"H. Ziyech","common_name":"Hakim Ziyech","place_of_birth":"Dronten","gender":"male","height":180,"weight":70,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T16:26:21.448Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:01:19.452Z","locale":"en","age":32,"stb_id":"hakim-ziyech","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Hakim Ziyech","top_position":null,"introduction":"Hakim Ziyech, often referred to as 'The Wizard,' is a prominent figure in the world of professional football, known for his remarkable abilities as a right winger or attacking midfielder. Born in the Netherlands, Ziyech currently plays for Süper Lig club Galatasaray and serves as the captain of the Morocco national team. His footballing journey has been marked by stunning performances, notable achievements, and a significant impact on both club and international stages.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nHakim Ziyech was born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Flevoland, as the youngest of nine children to Moroccan parents from Tafoughalt, a Berber village in northeastern Morocco. Growing up in the Netherlands, Ziyech developed a passion for football watching stars like Wesley Sneijder and Ronaldinho on television. His early life was marked by tragedy; at the age of ten, he witnessed the death of his father due to a neuromuscular disease, a traumatic event that momentarily derailed his path in football. However, he found solace and motivation in the sport, often playing in his neighborhood and being inspired by Aziz Doufikar, the first Moroccan to play in the Eredivisie.\n\n## Youth Career\nHakim Ziyech's journey in football began at his hometown club, Reaal Dronten, at the age of seven. Progressing through local clubs, he eventually joined SC Heerenveen's academy in 2007 after trials with both Heerenveen and Ajax. Despite a turbulent period marked by personal challenges, Ziyech's talent shone through, leading to his promotion to Heerenveen's first team in 2012. His development in youth teams was influenced by mentors who saw potential in him despite the distractions of youth delinquency and substance abuse.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Heerenveen\nHakim Ziyech began his professional career with SC Heerenveen, signing his first contract in April 2012. Although initially on the periphery of the squad, he made his debut in the UEFA Europa League against Rapid București on August 2, 2012. Over the next two seasons, Ziyech demonstrated his potential, leading to a standout 2013–14 season in which he scored multiple goals and assists, including a memorable performance against NAC Breda and a strong showing against AZ Alkmaar.\n\n### Twente\nIn August 2014, Ziyech transferred to Twente, signing a three-year deal for €3.5 million. He quickly became the team's standout player, finishing the 2014–15 season with 11 goals and 15 assists in the Eredivisie. Despite being named captain the following season, his commitment was questioned after making critical remarks about the club, leading to the captaincy being revoked. Nonetheless, the 2015–16 season was his most prolific, with Ziyech scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists.\n\n### Ajax\nZiyech's career reached new heights following his 2016 transfer to Ajax for €11 million. He played a key role in the team's successful campaigns, including the 2018–19 season where Ajax reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. His contributions were vital in securing the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup, earning him personal accolades and recognition as one of Europe's best midfielders.\n\n### Chelsea\nZiyech joined Chelsea in the 2020–21 season for a fee that could reach €44 million. He made an immediate impact, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2020–21 season, he was pivotal in Chelsea's victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final and scored crucial goals in the Champions League.\n\n### Galatasaray\nIn August 2023, Ziyech completed a loan move to Galatasaray, quickly making his mark by providing assists and scoring goals in both domestic and European competitions. His performances earned him a permanent move to the Turkish club in June 2024.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nZiyech played for the Netherlands' youth national teams, appearing in the under-19, under-20, and under-21 squads before committing to Morocco at the senior level.\n\n### Senior National Team\nZiyech made his debut for Morocco on October 9, 2015, against Ivory Coast. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the national team, participating in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, and the Africa Cup of Nations. He was crucial to Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nHakim Ziyech is renowned for his technical skills, including his dribbling, finishing, and ability to deliver precise long passes and free kicks. His preferred position is as a right winger, where he can exploit his adept left foot by cutting into central areas and creating scoring opportunities. His tactically astute movements and ability to play incisive balls make him a constant threat.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAs of December 2024, Ziyech's career statistics highlight his effectiveness on the field, with numerous goals and assists in both club and international play. His creative influence and sharp eye for goal have been hallmarks of his success across leagues.\n\n## Records\nZiyech holds multiple records and achievements, such as being part of Ajax's formidable Champions League run in 2018–19 and playing a role in Chelsea's European triumphs in the 2020–21 season.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Eredivisie: 2018–19\n- KNVB Cup: 2018–19\n- UEFA Champions League: 2020–21\n- UEFA Super Cup: 2021\n- FIFA Club World Cup: 2021\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Mars d'Or (Moroccan Footballer of the Year): 2016\n- Ajax Player of the Year: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20\n- Eredivisie Player of the Month: October 2018, August 2019\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nZiyech has been acknowledged in various teams of the year and has been consistently praised for his performances in Europe's top competitions.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nHakim Ziyech has been recognized not only for his on-field achievements and contributions to club victories but also for his inspirational journey overcoming personal hardships. His legacy is defined by his creative brilliance and decisive playmaking.\n\n## Off the Field\nZiyech has been involved in charitable work, notably donating his international play earnings to charities and team staff. His public image is enhanced by his generosity and actions supporting various causes.\n\n## Personal Life\nOutside football, Ziyech has expressed personal support for social issues, such as the Palestinian cause, which he publicly supported in October 2023. Despite his challenges growing up, he has remained a beloved figure both on and off the pitch.","stb_internal_id":"01930772-c0c3-7b33-a0cb-24a13893a3fd","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":null,"roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Hakim Ziyech, often referred to as 'The Wizard,' is a prominent figure in the world of professional football, known for his remarkable abilities as a right winger or attacking midfielder. Born in the Netherlands, Ziyech currently plays for Süper Lig club Galatasaray and serves as the captain of the Morocco national team. His footballing journey has been marked by stunning performances, notable achievements, and a significant impact on both club and international stages.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Hakim Ziyech was born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Flevoland, as the youngest of nine children to Moroccan parents from Tafoughalt, a Berber village in northeastern Morocco. Growing up in the Netherlands, Ziyech developed a passion for football watching stars like Wesley Sneijder and Ronaldinho on television. His early life was marked by tragedy; at the age of ten, he witnessed the death of his father due to a neuromuscular disease, a traumatic event that momentarily derailed his path in football. However, he found solace and motivation in the sport, often playing in his neighborhood and being inspired by Aziz Doufikar, the first Moroccan to play in the Eredivisie.

Youth Career

Hakim Ziyech's journey in football began at his hometown club, Reaal Dronten, at the age of seven. Progressing through local clubs, he eventually joined SC Heerenveen's academy in 2007 after trials with both Heerenveen and Ajax. Despite a turbulent period marked by personal challenges, Ziyech's talent shone through, leading to his promotion to Heerenveen's first team in 2012. His development in youth teams was influenced by mentors who saw potential in him despite the distractions of youth delinquency and substance abuse.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Heerenveen

Hakim Ziyech began his professional career with SC Heerenveen, signing his first contract in April 2012. Although initially on the periphery of the squad, he made his debut in the UEFA Europa League against Rapid București on August 2, 2012. Over the next two seasons, Ziyech demonstrated his potential, leading to a standout 2013–14 season in which he scored multiple goals and assists, including a memorable performance against NAC Breda and a strong showing against AZ Alkmaar.

Twente

In August 2014, Ziyech transferred to Twente, signing a three-year deal for €3.5 million. He quickly became the team's standout player, finishing the 2014–15 season with 11 goals and 15 assists in the Eredivisie. Despite being named captain the following season, his commitment was questioned after making critical remarks about the club, leading to the captaincy being revoked. Nonetheless, the 2015–16 season was his most prolific, with Ziyech scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists.

Ajax

Ziyech's career reached new heights following his 2016 transfer to Ajax for €11 million. He played a key role in the team's successful campaigns, including the 2018–19 season where Ajax reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. His contributions were vital in securing the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup, earning him personal accolades and recognition as one of Europe's best midfielders.

Chelsea

Ziyech joined Chelsea in the 2020–21 season for a fee that could reach €44 million. He made an immediate impact, helping Chelsea win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2020–21 season, he was pivotal in Chelsea's victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final and scored crucial goals in the Champions League.

Galatasaray

In August 2023, Ziyech completed a loan move to Galatasaray, quickly making his mark by providing assists and scoring goals in both domestic and European competitions. His performances earned him a permanent move to the Turkish club in June 2024.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Ziyech played for the Netherlands' youth national teams, appearing in the under-19, under-20, and under-21 squads before committing to Morocco at the senior level.

Senior National Team

Ziyech made his debut for Morocco on October 9, 2015, against Ivory Coast. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to the national team, participating in the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, and the Africa Cup of Nations. He was crucial to Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Hakim Ziyech is renowned for his technical skills, including his dribbling, finishing, and ability to deliver precise long passes and free kicks. His preferred position is as a right winger, where he can exploit his adept left foot by cutting into central areas and creating scoring opportunities. His tactically astute movements and ability to play incisive balls make him a constant threat.

Performance Statistics

As of December 2024, Ziyech's career statistics highlight his effectiveness on the field, with numerous goals and assists in both club and international play. His creative influence and sharp eye for goal have been hallmarks of his success across leagues.

Records

Ziyech holds multiple records and achievements, such as being part of Ajax's formidable Champions League run in 2018–19 and playing a role in Chelsea's European triumphs in the 2020–21 season.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Eredivisie: 2018–19
KNVB Cup: 2018–19
UEFA Champions League: 2020–21
UEFA Super Cup: 2021
FIFA Club World Cup: 2021

Individual Achievements

Mars d'Or (Moroccan Footballer of the Year): 2016
Ajax Player of the Year: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20
Eredivisie Player of the Month: October 2018, August 2019

Awards and Recognition

Ziyech has been acknowledged in various teams of the year and has been consistently praised for his performances in Europe's top competitions.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Hakim Ziyech has been recognized not only for his on-field achievements and contributions to club victories but also for his inspirational journey overcoming personal hardships. His legacy is defined by his creative brilliance and decisive playmaking.

Off the Field

Ziyech has been involved in charitable work, notably donating his international play earnings to charities and team staff. His public image is enhanced by his generosity and actions supporting various causes.

Personal Life

Outside football, Ziyech has expressed personal support for social issues, such as the Palestinian cause, which he publicly supported in October 2023. Despite his challenges growing up, he has remained a beloved figure both on and off the pitch.

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Hakim Ziyech: Career