Ayyoub Bouaddi: Morocco's midfield wonderkid with big-game mentality

Just over a month before the World Cup, Ayyoub Bouaddi faced a choice over his international future and opted to represent Morocco. His debut against Brazil underlined that decision: under intense pressure he repeatedly picked the right option, helping Morocco secure a 1-1 draw in New Jersey, and fellow professionals were not surprised by such composure.

Born in Senlis and introduced to football at five in nearby Creil, Bouaddi joined Lille in 2021 at 13 despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco. He signed his first professional contract just over two years later and said his goal was to keep performing and push into the senior squad — a target he reached far quicker than expected.

Progress came fast. At 16 years and three days he started a Conference League match, becoming the youngest player in a UEFA club competition and Lille's youngest since 1981, and two weeks later he became the youngest Ligue 1 player of the 21st century.

Morocco, Senlis

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