Ziyech next? Ronaldo, Henry and five heroes who returned to former clubs

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 22 Aug 2022 13:32 BST
• 4 min read

Hakim Ziyech is set for a return to Ajax, but only if Antony joins Manchester United in the final days of the transfer window this summer.

Ajax have already agreed personal terms with Ziyech for his return, but are yet to open negotiations with Chelsea as they’re awaiting Manchester United’s next move.

Should he return to the Johan Cruyff Arena, he’ll be making a heroic return, but he won’t be the first to return to his former club as a star.

Which players made heroic returns to former clubs

Kaka

Kaka left Milan for Real Madrid and for a short time, was the most expensive player in world football, before Cristiano Ronaldo eclipsed him after his move from Manchester United.

He was a star at Milan, winning the Champions League and Ballon d’Or in 2007, but wasn’t able to replicate that form in his four years in the Spanish capital.

He returned to Milan in 2013 and was given a hero’s welcome and while he wasn’t able to be the Kaka of old, there were still emotions aplenty in his stay.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Like Kaka, Ronaldo was also a star for Manchester United in his six-year stay, winning the Champions League and Ballon d’Or in 2008, before a world-record transfer.

He left Manchester United in 2009, went to Real Madrid and became their greatest goalscorer, before a transfer to Juventus in 2018.

Three years later, he was on the move again, making a return to Manchester United, scoring 24 goals in his first season back, before making his wishes to leave clear.

Thierry Henry

Unlike others on this list, Henry came back to Arsenal on a temporary deal, having had a brilliant eight-year spell there between 1999 and 2007 before leaving for Barcelona.

He had a great time at Barcelona, contributing to their treble-winning team of 2009 before moving to Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls.

Just before the start of the 2012 MLS season, he spent time on loan at Arsenal to keep himself fit, and scored within 12 minutes of his second debut with the club.

Dani Alves

In his eight years at Barcelona, Alves became the world’s best right-back, showing attacking flair and solidity in his time at the club.

He left for Juventus in 2016, playing there for a season before moving to Paris Saint-Germain and then back home to Sao Paulo, before his return to the Camp Nou in 2022.

He helped new manager Xavi massively, providing an option at right-back, and in his short stay, had some memorable performances, including one against Atletico Madrid, before leaving again.

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) July 2, 2020

Didier Drogba

Drogba left Chelsea in the perfect way in 2012: he was a hero for eight years, a man for big moments and scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Munich.

The Ivorian went to Chinese side Shanghai Shenua, but only spent eight months there before a spell in Turkey with Galatasaray, where he spent a year-and-a-half.

When Jose Mourinho returned to Chelsea, he asked for Drogba’s return to add to their depth, and he made the move, contributing four league goals in a title-winning season.