فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a warm human moment amid the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Moroccan star Hakim Ziyech visited his close friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, captain of the Gabon national team, at the team’s camp in Morocco. The visit took place in the capital Rabat, where the “Panthers” are preparing to face Nigeria in the playoff semi-final on November 13, 2025, at Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Strong Friendship Between Ziyech and Aubameyang Since Chelsea Days
The friendship between Hakim Ziyech (32 years old) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (36 years old) dates back to their time playing together at English club Chelsea in 2022. Aubameyang described his former teammate as having “crazy talent,” expressing his happiness with Ziyech’s brilliance with the Moroccan national team in previous tournaments.
Posts on Instagram and X platform (formerly Twitter) documented the visit, showing the duo sipping traditional Moroccan tea in a room decorated with stained glass, amid laughter and a relaxed atmosphere. Ziyech wore a Gabon national team jacket in a playful gesture, while Aubameyang appeared in casual clothing.
Context of the Visit and Ziyech’s Absence from the Atlas Lions
Ziyech’s presence in Rabat comes after his exclusion from the Moroccan national team squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, by decision of coach Walid Regragui. The player, who currently defends the colors of Wydad Casablanca after terminating his contract with Qatari club Al-Duhail in summer 2025, took advantage of Gabon’s camp being in Morocco to visit his friend without any impact on either team’s dynamics.
Crucial Match for Aubameyang Against Nigeria
The Gabon national team faces a decisive match against Nigeria’s “Super Eagles,” following Aubameyang’s dramatic return to international football after his retirement in 2022. The veteran striker scored four goals in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Gambia in October 2025, maintaining his country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco’s choice as a neutral venue gives Gabon relative comfort, despite Nigeria’s paper superiority with stars like Victor Osimhen.
International Statistics for the Duo (as of November 2025)
| Player | National Team | Matches | Goals | Assists | Last Appearance | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hakim Ziyech | Morocco | 64 | 25 | 12 | September 2024 | 2022 World Cup Semi-finalist |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Gabon | ~100 | ~40 | ~15 | October 2025 | 2015 African Player of the Year |
Positive Reactions on Social Media
The visit received widespread interaction on Instagram and X, with comments highlighting the “true friendship” between the players. No controversy was recorded; rather, fans praised the human side of football.
This visit confirms how friendships remain intact despite international competitions, and adds a human touch to the exciting 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Keywords: Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon national team, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria match, Ziyech Aubameyang friendship, Gabon camp in Morocco, Moroccan tea, Moulay Hassan Stadium.
