Hakim Ziyech
A mercurial playmaker with a wand of a left foot, his vision and dead-ball mastery orchestrated Ajax's thrilling revival and Morocco's historic World Cup run.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Moroccan footballer·Birthday: March 19·Millennials
Biography
Hakim Ziyech's football is a product of Dutch schooling and Moroccan soul. His path wasn't linear—released by Heerenveen as a teen, he rebuilt himself at Twente and blossomed into a league MVP at FC Twente. But it was at Ajax where his idiosyncratic genius found its perfect stage. Drifting in from the right, his bent for the improbable pass and viciously dipping long shots made him the creative heartbeat of a young team that captivated Europe. His 'Wizard' nickname was earned. A move to Chelsea brought a Champions League medal, but his defining moment came in Qatar 2022. Returning from international exile, his cunning and set-piece delivery were instrumental in guiding Morocco, the first African nation, to a World Cup semi-final, making him a national legend.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Hakim was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hakim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Hakim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was a central figure in Ajax's 2018-19 Eredivisie title and their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
- Won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, coming on as a substitute in the final.
- Named Dutch Footballer of the Year in 2018 after a season where he led the Eredivisie in assists.
- Played a key role in Morocco's historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Did You Know?
He was born in Dronten, Netherlands, and represented the Dutch youth teams before choosing to play for Morocco at senior level.
Ziyech has a tattoo of his childhood postcode in the Netherlands.
He is known for his distinctive shooting technique, often striking the ball with the outside of his left foot.
He wore the number 22 shirt for most of his career as a tribute to his friend and former teammate Abdelhak Nouri.
“I always look for the solution, not the safe pass. If you see the gap, you have to try it.”
