In February 2022, Hakim Ziyech announced his retirement from international duty after being snubbed from the Morocco Africa Cup of Nations squad by former head coach Vahid Halilhodžić for the continental tourney that was held in Cameroon.

The then Bosnian coach was not pleased with the star's attitude in the national team level and had even accused the winger of faking an injury so as not to play for the team.

Ziyech announces retirement from Morocco national team after AFCON snub

“I will not be returning to the national team. It is my final decision. It is all clear to me how things are going over there and I am focusing on what I am doing and that right now is my club. It was a decision he [Halilhodzic] made and you have to respect it. But then if all the lying comes with it... for me it is clear and I will not return to the national team. I feel sorry for (the fans), but that is the situation right now,” the player confirmed to Chelsea media then.

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Ten months later, Ziyech, the stone that had been rejected by the builder, Halilhodžić, will be playing at the quarter-finals of the biggest football event in the world and this will be first time Morocco will be gracing the stage.

In fact, he scored the second penalty as Morocco edged out Spain in post-match penalties, and before that he had two goal contributions in the group stage, assisting in the win over Belgium and scoring in the other win against Canada.

February 2022: Hakim Ziyech retires from Morocco's national team after row with then-manager Vahid Halilhodžić.

August 2022: Halilhodžić is sacked and replaced by Walid Regragui. Ziyech rejoins team.

November 2022: Ziyech wins first World Cup Man of the Match 🏆 pic.twitter.com/t5XVY6xQLJ
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 27, 2022

Although Halilhodžić managed to lead Morocco to qualify for the World Cup, he would just live to see the promised land but not set a foot on it for his decisions to leave out Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui.

With just three months left to the tournament, Walid Regragui was brought in to steer the ship, and started with bringing on board the retired Ziyech, unretiring him, and the Bayern Munich man as well.

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