French football circles reacted strongly this week after Ayoub Bouaddi reportedly decided to represent Morocco internationally, dealing a blow to French efforts to secure one of the country’s most closely watched young talents.
The 18 year old Lille OSC midfielder has emerged as one of the standout prospects in French football following a series of strong performances over the past two seasons, prompting sustained interest from the French Football Federation and national team staff.
French media reports said the Royal Moroccan Football Federation succeeded in convincing Bouaddi through its long term sporting project and strategy aimed at attracting dual nationality players competing in Europe.
Morocco has intensified those efforts since its historic 2022 World Cup run, securing high profile players including Brahim Díaz.
Reports in France said national team coach Didier Deschamps had been closely monitoring Bouaddi’s development, while discussions had also emerged within the French federation about integrating him into the senior national team project ahead of a possible transition to Zinedine Zidane after the 2026 World Cup.
French outlets said Morocco’s sporting ambitions, combined with Bouaddi’s family ties to the kingdom, played a decisive role in the player’s choice after signs in recent weeks increasingly pointed toward the Atlas Lions.
The move is widely viewed in Morocco as another sign of the growing attractiveness of the national team project, which has gained momentum following the country’s semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup and preparations for co hosting the 2030 tournament.
French reports said an official announcement confirming Bouaddi’s decision could come in the coming months, amid speculation he may be considered for Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad.
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