AYYOUB BOUADDI is the teenage sensation hoping to inspire Morocco to World Cup glory.
Having already amassed 96 appearances for Lille aged just 18, Bouaddi has entered the radars of some of Europe’s top clubs – including Manchester United.
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Ayyoub Bouaddi has switched allegiance to Morocco Credit: AFP
The teenager has built a huge reputation at Lille Credit: Getty
Bouaddi recently debuted for Morocco ahead of the World Cup Credit: AFP
The midfielder played for France up to Under-21 level Credit: Hollandse Hoogte
The elegant midfielder featured for France up to Under-21 level as a teenager, but sensationally switched allegiance to Morocco ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Bouaddi will have the eyes of the world on him as he takes on Scotland, Haiti and five-time champions Brazil.
The Lille academy graduate appears destined for a huge move this summer, but isn’t looking any further than inspiring his nation.
Upon making the switch, Bouaddi said last week: “The coach and the president told me immediately that choosing Morocco was the right decision and that I would receive an incredible welcome.
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“They did not lie. The welcome has been incredible, the facilities are top-level, the team is fantastic, so everything is perfect.”
On his ambitions, Bouaddi added: “I am very happy to represent my country, Morocco. I hope we will achieve great things in the competitions to come.”
The 6ft 1in star made his Lille debut in October 2023 aged just 16 and three days and quickly established himself under former boss Paulo Fonseca, while playing alongside fellow teenager, and future United star, Leny Yoro.
On his 17th birthday, Bouaddi starred in a sensational 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
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Then-Lille boss Bruno Genesio, who replaced Fonseca in June 2024, gushed: “What better way to mark the occasion than a start, a victory, and a good match.
“He showed all the potential he possesses. We know his capabilities. He is a boy with a well-made head… He has the talent to evolve at this level.
“You know, football is often the story of one evening. You have to know how to confirm, but I think there is not too much to worry about with him.”
Having already been blessed with brilliant dribbling ability and grace on the ball, Bouaddi has since improved his range of passing and combative defensive work since breaking into Lille’s first team.
Genesio later added: “I had said he needed to strengthen his game. Ayyoub has worked hard, he has gained mass and now asserts himself in the air.
“He is starting to win duels that he would probably have lost last season.”
Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi is thrilled to have Bouaddi at his disposal.
Ouahbi said upon announcing his World Cup squad: “We’re very proud and delighted to have him with us. The most important thing is that he is very proud to represent Morocco.
Bouaddi has played with Leny Yoro for club and country in the past Credit: Getty
Bouaddi broke into the Lille first team just days after 16th birthday Credit: Getty
“He’s a good lad, very thoughtful, with lots of qualities. During the 25 minutes he played with us, we could see straight away that he picked things up very quickly. It’s a pleasure to work with players like that.”
In addition to impressing his coaches, Bouaddi has also left a mark on several of his team-mates.
Following that Real Madrid win Lucas Chevalier, who subsequently departed for Paris Saint-Germain last summer, said of his Bouaddi: “Tactically, I think about him; he was incredible. It’s a memory he’ll carry with him.”
Chevalier’s PSG colleague Achraf Hakimi has welcomed Bouaddi to the fold, while also claiming that there is “no limit” to what his country can achieve this summer.
The Atlas Lions stunned fans around the globe by reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022.
And earlier this year they were controversially named African champions after their Afcon final defeat to Senegal was sensationally reversed.
On what could come next, Bouaddi said himself: “I want to thank the Moroccan people for this welcome, and I hope we will achieve great things together.”
Lucas Chevalier was very complimentary of Bouaddi Credit: Getty
The wonderkid has been tipped for big things Credit: AFP
