Ziyech's Casablanca Welcome: A Night That Roared Through the Moroccan League

Arrival and ceremonial welcome

Morocco’s national team star Hakim Ziyech received a legendary welcome at Mohammed V Stadium, as fans of his new club, Wydad Athletic Club, had anticipated.

The spectacle was electric, with some fans roaring for the signings as they filled the stands ahead of kickoff.

Matchday, reaction, and significance

The reception came before Wydad's derby against Ittihad Tangier, a 2-0 victory that kept them in the thick of the title race and placed them second in the table behind the league leaders.

Ziyech’s presentation was dramatic: he walked from the tunnel to the locker room, then joined the ultras on the south stands, soaking in chants and the club’s branding as the crowd sang along.

The club had postponed the formal unveiling of Ziyech from the derby to ensure maximum attendance, and thousands of Tangier supporters also greeted him warmly, a rare moment of amicable sportsmanship in a heated fixture.

The welcome, mood, and what’s next

Ziyech, the magician was the headline of the night as the club introduced its new star with a flourish that matched the player’s own flair.

Before taking the field, Ziyech toured the Old City with fans’ murals celebrating his journey and the club’s proud history, a gesture that underscored the mutual excitement between player and city.

The bus parade through Casablanca lit up the streets with fireworks and cheers, with Ziyech acknowledging the love of fans and the importance of their support for his new chapter.

Upon stepping onto the pitch, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception: “I can’t fully describe my feelings; I’m here with the family that welcomes me, and it’s a great honour to belong.”

The match itself saw Wydad seize momentum, further lifting the mood around the club as they climbed the table, while rival teams watched closely as the season progressed.

As the night wrapped up, players and fans reflected on a moment that blended nostalgia with ambition, signaling a fresh, promising era for Wydad.

And if the applause could speak, it would probably say: “Welcome to the league, where the parquet is polished and the goals are as bright as the banners.”

Two punchlines to keep the mood light: 1) If Ziyech’s feet are as quick as the stadium lights, defenders will need a dimmer switch. 2) He walked in as a sign-in, but left with a signed contract on the fans’ hearts—best transfer since sliced bread, and that’s no half-time joke.