Zakaria Labyad joins Corinthians after China stint, ex-PSV and Ajax midfielder signs until 2026 | OneFootball

Corinthians have signed midfielder Zakaria Labyad, 32, on a free, agreeing a deal until 31 December 2026.

Born in Utrecht and naturalised Moroccan, Labyad last played for Dalian Yingbo. He has been a free agent since late 2025 and has not featured since 22 November.

A PSV academy graduate, he broke through in 2010 and was key in the 2011-12 Dutch Cup win. His rise overlapped with Memphis Depay, now a Corinthians forward, as both came through PSV.

He left PSV for Sporting in 2012 after a contract dispute, a failed FIFA row over an alleged automatic renewal enraging fans.

That year he played for Morocco at the London Olympics, scoring in a 2-2 draw with Honduras.

At Sporting he made 27 appearances and scored three goals, playing alongside fellow Corinthians player André Carrillo. Loans to Vitesse between 2013 and 2015, then to Fulham, followed.

After terminating his deal he returned to Utrecht and enjoyed his best spell, posting 21 goals and 12 assists in 58 games across two seasons.

At Ajax, over four years he made 54 appearances with 13 goals and nine assists and featured in the 2018/19 Champions League semi-final run.

In China he lifted the 2024 second tier with Yunnan Yukun, then joined Dalian Yingbo in 2025, recording six goals and four assists for a team that finished 11th.

He could debut in the Campeonato Paulista quarter-final at Portuguesa on Sunday at 20:30 at Canindé.

Source: Meu Timao