Algeria Football– Hakim Ziyech, emblematic figure of Moroccan football, recently sent an emotional message to his compatriots, while he was excluded from the national team after criticizing the Moroccan King’s policy concerning the normalization of relations with Israel. This gesture comes as he is going through a delicate period, both at club and national level. Indeed, while he is currently playing at Galatasaray, Ziyech is having difficulty finding his usual level of play, a situation which is also reflected in the national team. Walid Regragui, Morocco coach, thus made the decision not to call him up for the next CAN 2025 qualifying matches against Gabon and Lesotho, justifying this absence by the player’s lack of playing time within his club. .
However, the move fueled speculation regarding Ziyech’s relationship with the national team. Rumors are circulating that the 31-year-old winger may be distancing himself from the Atlas Lions, especially since Ziyech has been at the center of controversy recently. He notably expressed criticism of the Moroccan authorities, following events linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which could have created unease between the player and certain authorities in the country.
Faced with questions from his supporters, Hakim Ziyech chose to address the Moroccan people directly in a touching message, without however clarifying his future intentions. In a grateful statement, the player expressed his gratitude and attachment to his fans. “The Moroccans love me enormously, I feel their support, their encouragement and it fills me with pride and honor to belong to this country and to this great people. Thank you very much,” he said. These words, although simple, testify to the depth of the ties that unite Ziyech to his compatriots.
This message, far from removing uncertainties, sparked varied reactions within the Moroccan fanbase. Some see it as an attempt by Ziyech to ease tensions and show his attachment to Morocco, while others worry about possible imminent farewells to the selection. For the moment, the future of the Moroccan international in the national team remains uncertain. Whether it is a temporary break or a permanent retirement, supporters will continue to scrutinize the next steps of the man they have always considered a symbol of pride and talent for Moroccan football.
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