Ayyoub Bouaddi dazzles against Brazil, and France may regret letting him go

At just 18, Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has become one of the breakout names of the 2026 World Cup after starring in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil in the opening match of Group 3. Born in France and granted Moroccan citizenship only last month, he looked completely at home in midfield, completing 60 of 66 passes, recovering six balls, making five interceptions and winning nine duels.

Bouaddi controlled the center of the pitch, especially in the first half, and helped suffocate Brazil into long balls and a disjointed attack. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouabi said he was unafraid to start him, adding, “For me there is no difference between a 35-year-old player and a 17-year-old player. If he is a good player, he will play.” Ouabi also praised Bouaddi’s simple style and experience in French league football despite his age.

The reaction in France quickly turned to regret. RMC showed Moroccan fans thanking France and Didier Deschamps for not selecting Bouaddi, with one supporter saying, “Thank you very much to France, thank you very much to Didier Deschamps for having given us Bouaddi. He is only 18, but he is one of the best in the world!” Bouaddi has already made 63 appearances in Ligue 1 and represented France from the under-16s through the under-21s, including as recently as March.

The article says Morocco’s success in attracting foreign-born players with Moroccan roots is part of a larger rise built on investment in infrastructure and scouting. Morocco finished fourth at the last World Cup, won the last Africa Cup of Nations, won the 2023 U20 World Cup and took bronze at the Paris Olympics. After Bouaddi’s debut, reports said Arsenal and Liverpool were in talks with his representatives, while Paris Saint-Germain is also interested. Transfermarkt values him at 50 million euros, but his club in northeast France could demand about 70 million euros.