Hakim Ziyech was born on 19 March 1993 in Dronten, the Netherlands, to Moroccan parents. He joined SC Heerenveen's academy at the age of fourteen and signed his first professional contract with the club in April 2012, making his competitive debut that August in a Europa League qualifier against Rapid București.
After two seasons at Heerenveen, Ziyech moved to Twente in 2014 for a reported €3.5 million, where he wore the number 10 shirt and finished the 2014–15 season with 11 goals and 15 assists in the Eredivisie. In 2016, he joined Ajax on a five-year deal for around €11 million. His 2018–19 season stood out as a career highlight, contributing 21 goals and 24 assists across all competitions as Ajax reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. That year he was named one of the three best midfielders in the Champions League and ranked 29th in The Guardian's top 100 players in the world.
A right winger and attacking midfielder, Ziyech is recognised for his technique, dribbling, long passing, and delivery from set pieces, earning him the nickname "The Wizard" from Ajax supporters.
Ziyech joined Chelsea in the 2020–21 Premier League season. He has since moved to Wydad AC in Morocco's Botola Pro.
Representing Morocco internationally, Ziyech has appeared at two FIFA World Cups (2018 and 2022) and two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2019 and 2023). Since 2015 he has donated his international match earnings and bonuses to charity.