Hakim Ziyech reportedly wants to revive his Morocco career and had attempted to make his case to new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi through the media.
The 33-year-old has recently joined Botafogo after being forced out of Wydad Casablanca. According to Africafoot, Ziyech explained his decision to move to Brazil, where he hopes to rediscover his best form in the Brasileirao following underwhelming spells in England, Turkey and Morocco.
Ziyech is also said to be targeting a return to the Morocco squad in the longer term. The former Chelsea player has won 64 caps and scored 25 goals for the Lions of the Atlas, but has not been selected since September 2024.
His position with the national team weakened after he voiced support for the Palestinian cause and publicly criticised his country’s government, accusing it of supporting “the genocide” in Gaza.
The emergence of new attacking talent and increased competition for places in his position have made a recall more difficult. Ziyech was dropped during Walid Regragui’s time in charge, despite helping Morocco reach a historic World Cup semi-final four years ago.
He has not been called up by Ouahbi since the coach took charge and consequently missed out on the 2026 World Cup. Ziyech is reportedly aware of the competition for places and wants to demonstrate that he remains capable of contributing at international level.
However, the suggestion that he had spoken through the media to send a message to Ouahbi was later challenged by the player himself.
“I have never given an interview,” Ziyech wrote in a comment beneath a post on social media.
Regardless of the dispute over the reported interview, Ziyech will not be involved in Morocco’s next international break. The national side are due to face Gabon in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Rabat on 25 September, before playing Lesotho in Bloemfontein on 29 September.