Born in San Javier, Murcia to Moroccan parents,[1] Hicham started his youth career with local Mar Menor CF, and in 2005 he joined FC Cartagena at the age of 14.[2] On 14 July 2011, after being linked with FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Málaga CF, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, he went on a trial at Manchester City,[3] but nothing came of it.