Ayyoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder, has pledged his international future to Morocco, opting to represent the Atlas Lions over France. The 17-year-old, born in 2007, currently captains the France Under-21 side, having earned ten caps for the team managed by Gérald Baticle.
Bouaddi has become a regular feature for Lille, approaching a century of appearances for the club. This decision comes as Morocco continues to attract young talent, with players like Brahim Díaz, Neil El-Aynaoui, and Rayane Bounida also choosing to represent the North African nation. The Moroccan Football Federation hopes Bouaddi could be included in the 26-man squad for upcoming international competitions, potentially as soon as the next World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.
Reports suggest that former France international Adil Rami may have played a role in influencing Bouaddi’s decision, offering advice regarding his international future. The move is particularly significant given the ongoing efforts by the French Football Federation to retain players with dual nationality, with recent reports indicating they have urged Eliesse Ben Seghir to remain with the French setup.
The choice reflects Morocco’s growing ambition on the international stage, seeking to build a competitive squad capable of challenging the world’s best. Bouaddi’s versatility and potential add another dimension to their midfield options. This decision could impact Lille’s future plans as well, potentially increasing the player’s profile and value should he excel on the international stage.
