Ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s career is once again in the spotlight. Having come through the French football system and played for every age group of Les Bleus, the LOSC midfielder ultimately chose to represent the Atlas Lions – a decision that has enabled him to compete in the World Cup with Morocco today.
Born in the Paris region, Ayyoub Bouaddi played for France for many years, from the U16s right up to the Under-21s. At just 18, however, he decided to represent Morocco at the highest level, joining Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
This decision quickly proved to be a wise one. A first-team regular for the Atlas Lions, Bouaddi has been part of Morocco’s remarkable run, having qualified for the quarter-finals where they will face… France.
Guy Stéphan reflects on Bouaddi’s decision
At a press conference, Didier Deschamps’ assistant acknowledged that the French coaching staff had been following the young midfielder’s progress for some time.
“Of course we know him. He’s a product of the French youth system through and through,” said Guy Stéphan.
The French coach refused, however, to describe him as a player “lost” to France, believing that Bouaddi had simply chosen to represent Morocco.
“We’re not going to blame him,” he added.
France did not want to stand in the way of his choice
Guy Stéphan also explained Didier Deschamps’ philosophy regarding dual-nationality players.
According to him, the France manager never wanted to call up Ayyoub Bouaddi just for a few minutes in order to subsequently prevent him from representing another national team.
“Didier doesn’t want to stand in a player’s way,” explained the French manager’s assistant.
The French national team’s coaching staff also point out that competition is particularly fierce in midfield, with players such as Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Manu Koné and N’Golo Kanté.
Morocco put their faith in Bouaddi
In contrast, Morocco were quick to give the young LOSC talent his chance. Impressed by the Atlas Lions’ sporting project, Bouaddi chose to represent the Kingdom – a decision he has always described as natural and a choice he stands by.
A few months later, he is set to play in a World Cup quarter-final against the country where he was trained, with the ambition of continuing Morocco’s historic run in the 2026 World Cup.
