Real Madrid is once again using the World Cup as a scouting ground, with club officials closely tracking several standout players in North America. The focus this time is Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille talent who has impressed in his first World Cup appearances against Brazil and Scotland. Madrid already has 14 World Cup players on its books, and that number could rise as the tournament continues.
The article says the club has slipped back into its old habit of identifying breakout international performers the way it did after the 2010 World Cup, when it signed Mesut Ozil, and after the 2014 edition, when it added James Rodriguez and Keylor Navas. Toni Kroos is not included in that comparison because his move had already been agreed before the tournament began. Madrid’s current target list is said to be broad and carefully monitored, with the club paying attention to every major development at the tournament.
Bouaddi is described as the clearest standout. Against Brazil, he was excellent on debut, and against Scotland he controlled the tempo and showed bravery in progressing the ball forward. Scouts are now checking whether he can handle the pressure of the highest level with the same ease. His smile and calm demeanor off the pitch have also drawn attention, and after the Scotland match he responded to questions about his future, including direct references to Real Madrid, only with a smile before moving on.
The player’s camp reportedly believes his future will not be at Lille. The article compares his rise to Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, noting that each match can further increase his value. The point, for Madrid, is that the World Cup once again offers a chance to identify or secure a new star before the rest of Europe moves in.
