At the age of 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi has established himself as one of the standout revelations of the 2026 World Cup, thanks to his fine performances for the Moroccan national team.

The Lille midfielder, who had recently been nominated for the Kopa Trophy in 2025, impressed the world with his style of play and his ability to lead the Moroccan midfield.

However, beyond the sporting arena, Bouaddi made headlines and caused a stir by taking a life-changing decision that transformed his footballing destiny forever.

“I have absolutely no regrets about choosing Morocco” – Ayyoub Bouaddi

His past with the French national team

Bouaddi’s great dilemma was choosing to represent Morocco rather than France.

The midfielder came through the French football system from a young age and progressed through all the youth ranks of ‘Les Bleus’ from the Under-16s onwards.

He even wore the captain’s armband for the Under-21s. In France, he was regarded as a key player for the future.

Hubert Fournier, technical director of the French Football Federation, explained his situation: “Bouaddi was following all our procedures; he was on track.”

“He knew he was on Didier Deschamps’ preliminary squad list for the World Cup, but the competition was fierce and we couldn’t offer him any guarantees at that time,” he explained to *Sport*.

The moment to decide with his heart

Bouaddi wanted to play in the 2026 World Cup. And there was one national team that guaranteed him a place in the starting line-up: Morocco.

Although the young central midfielder was born in the French town of Senlis, both his parents are originally from Tiznit, a town in southern Morocco.

From a very young age, Bouaddi absorbed the values of Moroccan culture within his home and developed a sense of belonging to his family’s homeland.

In fact, as he himself revealed, he was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia to cheer on the ‘Atlas Lions’ from the stands.

Driven by his sporting ambition and the emotional connection to his parents’ heritage, he chose to represent the Moroccan national team.

In May 2026, following strong interest from the Moroccan Football Federation and subsequent approval from FIFA, he was able to change his sporting nationality.

“I have absolutely no regrets about choosing Morocco. I’m very proud to have made this decision. It was a choice made with my heart and I’m very proud,” explained Bouaddi, following his participation in the World Cup.

A decision that changed his life

Making that decision changed his life professionally. His performance at the 2026 World Cup with Morocco cemented his place among the very best in football.

Indeed, specialist journalists claim that Manchester City want Bouaddi to replace Rodri Hernández in the near future.

The Moroccan footballer’s profile matches that of the winner of the 2024 ‘Ballon d'Or’. That is why the English club is interested in his services.

Both stand out for their passing accuracy, their ability to direct play from the back and their composure in controlling the tempo of the game.

It remains to be seen how the negotiations will pan out, but the future looks promising for the young Bouaddi.

What began as a decision made with his heart at the 2026 World Cup could lead to a career in Europe’s top flight.

Will he join Manchester City?