Besides having represented Morocco's national team colors, another common thread among Nordin Amrabat, Hakim Ziyech, Munir El Kajoui, Yunis Abdelhamid, Khalid Boutaib, and other dual-national players is their decision to continue their careers with clubs in Morocco. After making their mark or gaining recognition in Europe, they are among those who have chosen to pursue the next chapter of their careers in their country of origin. Now official, the contract of Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech with Wydad Casablanca is the latest in a series of successful transfers enriching the Botola Pro with national players who have previously played in European leagues and the Gulf countries. Joining this iconic metropolitan team, the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist in Qatar with the Atlas Lions reunites with former national team teammate Nordin Amrabat. The Moroccan-Dutch duo chose WAC after a successful career start in the Eredivisie, a football ascent through various European clubs, and a brief stint in the Gulf. They now play for the team that nurtured another football talent turned international, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. They also join a club that achieved unprecedented feats under the technical direction of Walid Regragui. Before Amrabat and Ziyech joined WAC, goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui opted for Renaissance Sportive de Berkane (RSB) after a distinguished career in La Liga and a stint in the Saudi league. He revealed that he made this decision after wanting to «return to [his] country for a long time». «I also want to encourage others to play in the Botola» said the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist. Yunis Abdelhamid joined AS FAR, Khalid Boutaib went to KACM, Yacine Bammou to US Touarga, and Bilal Ould-Chikh to Raja Casablanca, having represented the Netherlands at the national level until he was 19. Trained at AC Milan, Moroccan international Hachim Mastour transferred to RCA Zemamra from the Italian championship before moving to the first division with UST, and then to Serie B and C. ?️ | Munir El Kajoui : «J'ai choisi la RS Berkane car je souhaite depuis longtemps retourner dans mon pays. Je veux aussi encourager d'autres joueurs à jouer en Botola.» Un joueur qui met son pays et son championnat en valeur. C'est l'exemple à suivre ! ??? pic.twitter.com/S71PRSHs2m — JMA Morocco ?? (@JMA_Morocco) September 1, 2024 These transfers highlight a reversed trend from the more common scenario of local players moving to foreign leagues after successful starts in the Botola Pro. However, they are still not numerous enough to suggest a massive enthusiasm, notes football agent Mohamed Rayane Bensaghir, speaking to Yabiladi. Choices Defined by Various Factors, According to Each Player Licensed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and a former footballer himself, Mohamed Rayane Bensaghir emphasizes that «it is important to better understand the choices offered to each of these professionals and their motivations» to make a fair judgment, while keeping in mind that «each decision is defined by various factors, as unique as the players themselves». A doctoral candidate in political science and sociology at the University of Mons (Belgium), the Belgian-Moroccan consultant notes that within WAC, «the situation of Nordin Amrabat is quite different from that of Hakim Ziyech». «Nordin Amrabat is nearing the end of his career at 38. He has already had experiences in Saudi Arabia after leaving European leagues a few years ago, before briefly returning. Last season, he was in England, but in the second division. In the Championship, he was no longer a top player and was no longer called up to the Moroccan national team». According to the agent, «it should not be forgotten that a player's career is short», as has been the case elsewhere, notably with Belgian footballer Eden Hazard. «I can understand it, and it would be dishonest to blame those who decide to secure their post-career by responding to offers from the Gulf or opting for very different paths», he tells Yabiladi, adding that «there is no collective answer, only individual careers and career choices». «As for Hakim Ziyech, it's a very different case. At 32, he was still a very important player and free of any contract. During the summer transfer window, journalists wondered which club he would turn to. One might then question the choice of Wydad, whether it was his first option, and if so, why it didn't happen sooner to allow for group preparation and participation in friendly matches before starting the championship», adds Bensaghir. In this context, he notably recalls the approach of the 2026 World Cup. «I believe Ziyech can still contribute to the Moroccan team. It remains to be seen if that is his ambition», he says. According to the specialist, «it is difficult to speak on behalf of the players, but it can be said that the decisions of each of them are not often comparable». Analyzing Hakim Ziyech's club career, Bensaghir recalls that the Moroccan international «started very well at Ajax, which revealed him to the world, with a great run in the Champions League and many former Eredivisie teammates who followed his path or preceded him by joining major teams». «He opted for Chelsea, then Galatasaray. We also know he has a strong character. Even if the player has great qualities, some coaches struggle to manage him, and I personally believe it's a mistake on their part», asserts the specialist. «It may be an admission of weakness on the part of the coach who struggles with the temperament or impulsiveness of a player, while he is the manager of a group. Hakim Ziyech has qualities recognized by the football world. We know that when you manage to understand this player, he becomes an important asset for the team, as Walid Regragui demonstrated with him in the Moroccan A selection, something his predecessor failed to do». National Efforts Reflected in Clubs Reflecting on the previous presence of other dual-national players in the national championship, Bensaghir recalls the distinguished participation of Belgian-Moroccan footballer Naïm Aarab with WAC between 2014 and 2019. Since then, the defender has left a strong impression among WAC's technical staff and supporters, who still recognize his contribution to the team. «Naïm Aarab is a player I appreciate and know, having met him on the training fields when I was playing. His numerous injuries often put him at a disadvantage in clubs, but his time with Wydad remains memorable», recalls Bensaghir. He emphasizes the dynamic of «a legendary club with supporters recognized worldwide». «The chants of WAC supporters are impressive, and they are broadcast everywhere online, showing how these fans are among the best in the world. Their connection with Naïm Aarab is recognition of his efforts, as he is one of those players who gives his all and doesn't just come for a salary. He has always been like that. He gives everything for the colors he defends, and Wydad fans appreciate him for it». Beyond transfers, Bensaghir considers that the return of these players to the Botola carries a sociological dimension, reflecting a desire to reconnect with their country of origin. «The new generations increasingly tend to assert their Moroccan identity. This sometimes defines their career choices, not only in the national team, as Bilal El Khannouss and others have done, but also at the club level», says the specialist. These dynamics also embody an effort to promote Moroccan football. According to Bensaghir, they represent a club-level reflection of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's (FRMF) vision of making football a driver of human and economic development through infrastructure and talent development. «It's a comprehensive project, and I think we are witnessing its first results, including within the national championship», he comments. «The work of the FRMF reflects on the clubs, in a way. Each team can draw inspiration from it to elevate its standard and thus the competitiveness of the local championship», says Bensaghir. In this regard, he highlights the breakthrough of teams like RS Berkane, winner of the 2024–2025 CAF Cup, or OC Safi, which won the 2023–24 Throne Cup. «For several years, Moroccan clubs have been asserting themselves both nationally and across the continent», he adds. According to Bensaghir, «the work of the FRMF bears fruit through a trickle-down effect, benefiting national teams, both male and female, as well as the Moroccan A team, youth selections, and local formations». «We saw it at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2025 CHAN, and recently, with Morocco's historic victory at the U20 World Cup, which included dual nationals, local players, and graduates of the Mohammed VI Football Academy», concludes the agent.
