Hakim Ziyech’s international journey with the Morocco national football team appears to be approaching its conclusion after injury problems reportedly prevented a final return to the national setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports, Morocco head coach Mohammed Ouahbi had considered recalling the experienced winger now playing for Wydad Athletic Club for what could have been one last major international tournament.
The idea reflected Ziyech’s long-standing importance to the Atlas Lions, where he became one of the defining figures of Morocco’s modern football era through his creativity, leadership and decisive performances on major stages.
However, persistent fitness concerns reportedly complicated those plans. Ongoing injury setbacks forced Morocco’s technical staff to reconsider, and the possibility of reintegrating the 31-year-old gradually faded before ultimately being abandoned.
Ziyech leaves behind a significant legacy with Morocco after years as one of the national team’s most influential attacking players. His technical quality, vision and set-piece ability helped shape several memorable moments for the Atlas Lions, including their rise on both continental and global stages.
While there has been no official retirement announcement, the latest developments strongly suggest that Ziyech’s international chapter is drawing to a quiet close rather than ending with a formal farewell.
For many supporters, he will remain one of the most gifted footballers of his generation and a central figure in Morocco’s modern football history.
