Moroccan football star Hakim Ziyech lambasts King Mohammed VI’s Growing Ties with Zionist Entity, Urges Moroccans to Stand Firm for Palestine
✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | September 22nd, 2024 — Moroccan football star Hakim Ziyech took to Instagram to deliver a scathing critique of King Mohammed VI’s regime, lambasting its increasing alignment with the Zionist entity and its betrayal of the Palestinian cause. In a searing message that sent shockwaves through social and political spheres, Ziyech boldly declared, “Our Moroccan government supports extermination. Shame on all of you—enough is enough.” The 31-year-old Galatasaray forward extended his solidarity to Moroccans and global advocates for Palestine, calling for continued resistance and heightened advocacy: “To my brothers and sisters in Morocco and around the world, keep your voices high. I stand with you. Free Palestine.”
Ziyech’s post, which directly challenges the political and religious authority of King Mohammed VI—widely regarded as the “Commander of the Faithful”—has ignited a storm of reactions, both in Morocco and beyond. Speculation is rife that the regime is pressuring Ziyech to retract his statement, as it grapples with the growing wave of dissent his comments have unleashed. The star’s pointed criticism of the monarchy’s stance on the Palestinian cause has stirred deep-seated frustrations within Morocco, where the majority of Moroccans view the normalization of ties with the Zionist entity as a profound betrayal of the Muslim world and the Palestinian struggle.
Ziyech’s comments are not only a rare political statement from a high-profile athlete but also a reflection of the broader disillusionment that has been festering among ordinary Moroccans. His unequivocal stance against the regime’s foreign policy choices resonates with widespread discontent over Morocco’s diplomatic shift, as citizens grapple with a government that appears increasingly detached from their core values, particularly in matters of religious and geopolitical significance. Given the deeply sensitive nature of the Palestinian cause in the Arab world, Ziyech’s outspoken defiance could potentially alter public sentiment, emboldening others to openly question the monarchy’s allegiances and policies.
Hakim Ziyech: From Football Prodigy to Vocal Advocate
Born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Netherlands, to Moroccan parents, Hakim Ziyech’s meteoric rise in the world of football began at Heerenveen, where he showcased his prodigious talent. A subsequent move to FC Twente solidified his reputation as a gifted playmaker with exceptional vision and technical prowess. His performances at Twente caught the attention of Ajax Amsterdam, which signed him in 2016.
At Ajax, Ziyech became a key figure in one of the club’s most successful periods, helping the team secure multiple Eredivisie titles and gaining international recognition for his performances in the UEFA Champions League. His tenure at Ajax earned him a move to Premier League giants Chelsea in 2020, where he became the first Moroccan to don the club’s jersey. Ziyech’s talent and versatility made him a valuable asset for the Blues, and he was part of the squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2021.
Internationally, Ziyech has been a crucial figure for the Moroccan national team, representing his country in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. His recent remarks, however, have cast him in a new light—not just as an athlete, but as a voice for justice, leveraging his platform to address critical issues affecting the Arab and Muslim worlds.
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