Getting to know a footballer like Hakim Ziyech means understanding his journey—a story that often goes untold. Many fans might not realize that Hakim was the youngest of nine children (both males and females) born to his parents. Though he was born in Dronten, Netherlands, his roots are firmly planted in Morocco. His mother is Moroccan, and his father was Dutch.
Behind the Fame: Hakim Ziyech’s Struggles and Triumphs
Hakim’s childhood memories are filled with the sights and sounds of his hometown, Dronten, where he grew up alongside his older brother, Faouzi, his sister, known as Jam Ya, and six other siblings. So, how did football become a part of his life? It all started on the streets when little Hakim, at just five years old, began kicking a ball around with his older brothers.
But life threw a harsh curveball when he was only ten. Just as he was beginning to show promise as a young talent, tragedy struck—his father passed away from multiple sclerosis. This loss was a heavy blow for young Hakim and his family. As if coping with that wasn’t hard enough, his football career hit a rough patch when he joined SC Heerenveen. Struggling with discipline, he started arriving late to training sessions and even became disrespectful towards his teammates and coaches.
It seemed like his dream could end before it truly began. But thanks to his guardian, Aziz Doufikar, who intervened and advocated for him, Hakim was given another chance. This support was crucial in helping him turn things around.
In short, Hakim Ziyech’s story is one of resilience and determination, from his early days as a boy in Dronten to the heights of his football career, overcoming every obstacle along the way.
Preamble:
In short, this article dives deep into Hakim Ziyech’s life, covering everything from his childhood and early years to his family background, personal life, and lifestyle. It’s a detailed look at his journey, from his beginnings as a young boy to his rise to fame in football. Hakim Ziyech’s story is truly one of incredible growth and perseverance.
The Untold Story of Hakim Ziyech: A Journey of Hope and Hardship
Hakim Ziyech Childhood Story:
Hakim Ziyech was born on March 19, 1993, in Dronten, Netherlands, as the youngest of nine children to his Moroccan mother and Dutch father. He spent his childhood in Dronten with his older brother, Faouzi, his sister, nicknamed Jam Ya, and six other siblings, about whom little is known as of May 2020.
Ziyech grew up in Dronten, Netherlands.
Growing-up years:
Growing up in Dronten, young Ziyech was only a five-year-old kid when he began playing street football alongside his older brothers, who were excellent street soccer players at the time.
Hakim Ziyech Family background:
The brothers’ passion for football likely stemmed from their humble upbringing. For them, playing football and going to school represented a path to a better future. Ziyech’s parents fully supported his love for the sport, while his sisters made sure he was well cared for.
Meet one of Hakim Ziyech’s parents.
Early Years with Football:
By the time Ziyech was ten years of age, he had lost his dad to a serious illness (multiple sclerosis). The death of his youngster’s dad was a very shocking event that made life hard for him and his family.
When Ziyech eventually overcame the shock, he began a career buildup in football by training with SC Heerenveen.
Thanks to the training, the 14-year-old was able to be of little assistance to his family’s finances.
The football prodigy began training with SC Heerenveen at the age of 14.
Hakim Ziyech Biography- Early Career Life:
The youngster’s career at SC Heerenveen did take a bad turn when he became irregular in training and was – at some point in time – disrespectful to his teammates and coaches.
The development could have put an end to his football aspirations if Aziz Doufikar had not made a plea for him.
It is worthwhile to note that Doufikar is the first pro-Moroccan player in the history of Eredivisie.
His relationship with Ziyech goes way back, even before the youngster began training with SC Heerenveen.
In fact, he was a father figure to Ziyech and once mentored him on how to play indoor football. The legend takes special recognition whenever writers make drafts of Hakim Ziyech’s biography.
Doufikar (second from left) mentored him (standing second from right) in all capacities, including indoor football.
Road To Fame Story:
Doufikar’s intervention and good counsel (similar to Nayef Aguerd‘s received while at FUS Rabat) gave Ziyech another chance with SC Heerenveen, and they made the best of it. Hakim Ziyech’s rapid progress through the club’s ranks led to his Eredivisie debut in August 2012, during a 2-0 loss to NEC Nijmegen. After that, his potential seemed limitless. Impressive stats and performances caught the eye of FC Twente, who wasted no time in signing the talented midfielder in 2014.
A rare photo of FC Twente confirming his arrival in 2014.
Hakim Ziyech Biography – Rise To Fame Story:
After an impressive two-year stint at FC Twente, Hakim Ziyech transferred to Ajax in 2016. It didn’t take long for him to win over fans with his outstanding performances in Dutch football, as well as in the Europa League and Champions League, all under the guidance of Erik ten Hag.
Hakim Ziyech’s rapid ascent in 2016 quickly made him a fan favorite at Ajax, where his exceptional skills on the field captivated supporters throughout Dutch football.
Fast forward to the time of writing this draft on Hakim Ziyech’s biography; his services have been secured by Chelsea FC, where he hopes to be one of the most creative footballers in world football, like Joao Moutinho, Christian Eriksen, Man City Legend Bernardo Silva, among others.
Family Life:
For Hakim, family is an important part of Hakim Ziyech’s life story. In fact, there is no way we could have accurately drafted the midfielder’s biography without talking about his family. Let’s take a look at some facts about Hakim Ziyech’s family life, starting with his parents.
About Hakim Ziyech’s father:
Hakim Ziyech was born to a Dutch dad, to whom he was very close by virtue of being the youngest child. Hence, when he died in 2003, Ziyech was emotionally distraught.
Ziyech does speak of his Dad in a good light whenever the opportunity presents itself. This is an indication that a part of the player misses his father.
About Hakim Ziyech’s mother:
Hakim Ziyech’s mother is Moroccan and worked hard to raise him and his eight siblings after the passing of their father. Her dedication and support are always close to Ziyech’s heart, and he makes it a point to honor her on special occasions.
Hakim Ziyech with his loving mother.
About Hakim Ziyech’s siblings:
Hakim Ziyech has an older brother named Faouzi, who played a crucial role in his childhood. Faouzi took on the big brother role by taking Ziyech to football training and arranging for him to stay with a host family during his early days at SC Heerenveen. Another sibling is his older sister, Jam Ya, although Ziyech hasn’t shared much else about her beyond her nickname.
Meet Hakim Ziyech’s older sister.
About Hakim Ziyech’s relatives:
Away from Hakim Ziyech’s immediate family, not much is known of his ancestry, particularly as it relates to his grandparents. Similarly, there is not much known about his uncles and aunts, a development that applies to his cousins and nephews. However, he does have a lovely niece known as Anissa.
Meet Hakim Ziyech’s lovely niece, Anissa.
Personal Life:
What makes the footballer tick? Sit back as we bring you the makings of his personality to help you get a complete picture of him.
To begin with, Ziyech’s persona is a blend of Pisces Zodiac traits (similar to English talent, James Garner). He is sensitive, emotionally driven, and creative. In addition, Ziyech is funny and sometimes blunt with remarks.
He has just a few interests and hobbies that include spending quality time with his friends and parents, playing pool and sleeping whenever he feels the need to relieve himself of tension.
Playing pool is one of his hobbies.
Lifestyle:
Before Hakim Ziyech’s Chelsea exile ended, he was known to have a net worth of over $7.5 million. He earns a good amount of money from his career in top-level football, allowing him to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle that’s easy to notice in his spending habits. While details about the value of his house in Dronten, Netherlands, remain unclear, it’s known that his impressive car collection includes a Mercedes-Benz and a Lamborghini Urus.
Hakim Ziyech’s Facts:
To conclude Hakim Ziyech’s childhood story and biography, here are some lesser-known facts about him.
Ambassadorship:
Did you know that Ziyech serves as an ambassador for the Drontense SOEP project (Samen Op Expeditie met Poen)? This initiative aims to support troubled young people by offering them the assistance they need to turn their lives around.
He is an ambassador of the Soep Project.
Religion:
Hakim Ziyech was brought up in a devout Islamic household. He practices his faith diligently, praying five times a day, and often shares his beliefs in a thoughtful way during interviews, letting his values shine through his words.
FIFA rankings:
Creative players like Achraf Hakimi and Azzedine Onani often earn high ratings, reflecting their skill and expertise. Hakim Ziyech is no different, with a solid rating of 86. However, many fans believe he deserves an additional five points to match the level of Kevin De Bruyne, who boasts an impressive 91 overall rating.
Trivia:
In short, this article dives deep into Hakim Ziyech’s life, covering everything from his childhood and early years to his family background, personal life, and lifestyle. It’s a detailed look at his journey, from his beginnings as a young boy to his rise to fame in football. Hakim Ziyech’s story is truly one of incredible growth and perseverance.
Conclusion:
Thank you for reading our detailed look at Hakim Ziyech’s biography. We strive to provide accurate and fair content. Stay tuned for more captivating stories from Moroccan football, including the journeys of Noussair Mazraoui and Sofiane Boufal. If you spot anything in this article that doesn’t seem correct, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
