Hakim Ziyech has arrived in Rio de Janeiro to finalise his transfer to Botafogo, with the Morocco international expected to become one of the Brazilian club’s headline signings.
The 33-year-old was welcomed at Galeao International Airport by a group of Botafogo supporters who had gathered to greet the attacking midfielder ahead of his proposed move.
Ziyech must now complete the final contractual details and undergo a medical before signing his agreement and being officially presented as a Botafogo player. He is expected to join the club until December 2028.
The former Chelsea, Ajax Amsterdam, Galatasaray and Al Duhail player is a free agent after leaving Wydad Casablanca by mutual consent. The circumstances surrounding that departure were previously reported exclusively by Africafoot.
The proposed transfer represents another significant step in a career that has included major spells in the Netherlands, England, Turkey and Qatar. During his time with Chelsea, Ziyech helped the club win the Champions League in 2021.
His move to Botafogo would also carry historical significance. He is expected to become only the fourth Moroccan footballer to play in Brazil, following Mohamed El Arouch, who represented Botafogo in 2024, Noussair Jilal of Capivariano Futebol Clube and Zakaria Labyad, who played for Corinthians.
Labyad is reported to have helped influence Ziyech’s decision to try Brazilian football, with Africafoot previously revealing his role in the discussions.
Ziyech brings considerable international experience and an attacking profile to a Botafogo side that will expect him to add creativity, technical quality and leadership. His market value is estimated at €2.2m by Transfermarkt.
The move comes as Botafogo prepare for their next Brazilian league fixture, against Bragantino in the 27th round of the championship. Ziyech’s registration, medical and formal presentation will need to be completed before any decision can be made about his availability for the match.
The published betting prices for the fixture list Botafogo as 2.10 to win, with a draw priced at 3.20 and a Bragantino victory at 2.85. Those odds are listed by 1xBet, which also advertises a downloadable betting application.
Ziyech’s arrival would give Botafogo a player with experience of competing at the highest European level, as well as a record of success with club and country. His immediate task will be to adapt to a new league and country while completing what would be one of the most notable moves of his later career.