Morocco’s star player Hakim Ziyech is uncertain for the AFCON clash with South Africa due to an ankle injury. Coach Walid Regragui implements a special training program, leaving fans anxious about Ziyech’s readiness for the crucial match.
Who is Hakim Ziyech?
Hakim Ziyech is a professional footballer who was born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Netherlands. He is currently 30 years old and has a height of 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches). Ziyech primarily plays as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. As of the latest information, he is associated with Süper Lig club Galatasaray, where he is on loan from the Premier League club Chelsea. His jersey number is 22.
Ziyech began his football journey in the youth ranks, starting with Reaal Dronten, ASV Dronten, and later Heerenveen, where he played from 2007 to 2012. His senior career kicked off with Heerenveen in 2012, followed by stints at Twente (2014–2016) and Ajax (2016–2020). In 2020, he joined Chelsea and, as of December 2, 2023, has made 64 appearances for the club, scoring 6 goals. Currently, he is on loan at Galatasaray, making 9 appearances and scoring 2 goals.
On the international stage, Ziyech has represented Morocco since 2015, earning 59 caps and scoring 22 goals. Notably, he played in the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022, as well as in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023.
Ziyech is nicknamed “The Wizard,” a title given to him by supporters of his former club Ajax. He is recognized for his skills in finishing, dribbling, long passes, technique, and proficiency in free kicks. In the 2018–19 season, he had a standout performance with 16 goals and 13 assists in the Eredivisie. Ziyech’s talent has also been acknowledged at the international level, being selected among the 10 best players in the UEFA Champions League for the 2018–19 season and ranking 29th in The Guardian’s list of “The 100 best footballers in the world” in 2019.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Ziyech has demonstrated generosity off the pitch. Since joining the national team in 2015, he has donated all earnings and bonuses from international play to various charities or to the team’s staff.
Full Name | Hakim Ziyech |
Date of Birth | March 19, 1993 |
Age | 30 years (2023) |
Place of Birth | Dronten, Netherlands |
Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
Position | Right Winger, Attacking Midfielder |
Hakim Ziyech Injury Update
Morocco’s star player Hakim Ziyech is currently facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming clash against South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ziyech, who played a crucial role in Morocco’s victory over Zambia with a goal in the 38th minute, was notably absent from the training session ahead of the South Africa match.
The reason for his absence is attributed to an ankle injury sustained during the encounter with Zambia. Despite scoring the sole goal for Morocco, Ziyech had to be substituted at half-time due to the injury. Speculations are growing that he may miss the Round of 16 match against South Africa.
Coach Walid Regragui has reportedly implemented a special training program for Ziyech following his injury. A recent medical checkup resulted in the decision to keep the right winger out of three training sessions. This move raises concerns among fans and observers, as Ziyech’s absence could potentially put the Atlas Lions at a disadvantage in the crucial upcoming game.
The training session, which was open to the press, featured the presence of team captain Romain Saiss, who missed the Zambia match due to his own injury. Additionally, Bayern Munich wingback Noussair Mazraoui participated in the training, despite not having played in any matches with the national team in this year’s tournament.
The situation is being closely monitored, and fans are eagerly awaiting further updates on Hakim Ziyech’s condition, hoping for a swift recovery for the talented right winger.
Hakim Ziyech Career
Hakim Ziyech is a football player who was born on March 19, 1993, in the Netherlands to a Moroccan family. He can play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. Ziyech has had a notable career playing for various clubs and representing the national teams of both the Netherlands and Morocco.
Starting his professional journey in the Netherlands, Ziyech played for clubs like Heerenveen, Twente, and Ajax. He made a significant impact during the 2018–19 season at Ajax, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists in the Eredivisie. In 2020, he moved to the Premier League club Chelsea, and later, in 2023, he joined Süper Lig club Galatasaray on loan from Chelsea.
Internationally, Ziyech had the option to play for either the Netherlands or Morocco. Despite playing for the Dutch national youth teams, he chose to represent Morocco at the senior level. He made his debut for Morocco in October 2015 and scored his first two goals in May 2016 against Congo. Ziyech played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023.
However, Ziyech faced challenges in his international career. In 2021, he was omitted from the national team due to a reported “poor attitude” and refusal to play, citing an injury. Subsequently, he announced his retirement from international football in February 2022, but later reversed his decision after a change in management. Ziyech played a crucial role as Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
On a personal note, Ziyech speaks Dutch and English, and while not fluent in Darija, he addresses Moroccan fans and journalists in English. In terms of playing style, he is known for his skills as a right winger, driving infield with the ball onto his left foot, creating goal-scoring opportunities through shots, through balls, or crosses. His ability to play precise passes and manipulate the ball, along with his balance, speed, and acceleration, makes him a dangerous player on the field.
Why is Ziyech Not Playing For Morocco?
Hakim Ziyech, the key player for Morocco, is currently facing uncertainty about his participation in the AFCON Round of 16 against South Africa. The Galatasaray forward sustained a significant ankle injury during the last group stage match against Zambia, where he played a crucial role in Morocco’s victory with a goal.
Tests revealed a severe ankle sprain, leading to Ziyech’s absence from recent training sessions as he undergoes treatment. The injury has put his availability for the upcoming match in serious doubt. Despite his notable contributions to Morocco’s success in the World Cup, Ziyech’s ankle injury has kept him under observation, preventing him from joining the team in regular training.
The coach, Walid Regragui, who had faced suspension but is now back on the sidelines, will be leading the team. The concern over Ziyech’s absence is significant, as he is a key figure in Morocco’s bid for success in the AFCON edition. The North African team, aiming for victory, must navigate the Round of 16 without the talented forward, adding an element of uncertainty to their campaign.
Is Hakim Ziyech Injured?
Yes, Hakim Ziyech is currently dealing with an ankle injury. The Moroccan forward sustained the injury during the last group stage match against Zambia in the AFCON tournament. Despite scoring a crucial goal, he had to be substituted at halftime due to the ankle issue.
Recent tests confirmed a severe ankle sprain, leading to Ziyech’s absence from training sessions. His participation in the upcoming AFCON Round of 16 match against South Africa is uncertain. The injury has put him under observation, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial fixture.
Hakim Ziyech Injury Update – FAQs
- Is Hakim Ziyech playing in the AFCON Round of 16 against South Africa? Ziyech’s participation is uncertain due to a severe ankle injury sustained in the last group stage match against Zambia.
- What caused Hakim Ziyech’s absence from training sessions? Ziyech’s absence is attributed to a significant ankle sprain suffered during the encounter with Zambia in the AFCON tournament.
- How is Morocco’s coach addressing Hakim Ziyech’s injury? Coach Walid Regragui has implemented a special training program for Ziyech following his ankle injury.
- When did Hakim Ziyech sustain the ankle injury? Ziyech sustained the ankle injury during Morocco’s last group stage match against Zambia in the AFCON.
- What is the impact of Hakim Ziyech’s potential absence on Morocco’s AFCON campaign? Ziyech’s potential absence raises concerns, as he is a key player, and his availability for the Round of 16 against South Africa remains uncertain. Visit – NewsPSP | NewsDekha