Moroccan football continues to confirm its rise on the European stage. Morocco internationals Ayyoub Bouaddi and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal are among the 100 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy award, the prestigious prize presented each year to the best under-21 player competing in Europe.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the organizer of the award, has unveiled its latest ranking update. Ayyoub Bouaddi, the LOSC midfielder, has climbed to an impressive fifth place following his outstanding performances with the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has been praised for his maturity and composure, with Tuttosport stating that he plays with « the confidence and maturity of an experienced player. » His performances continue to attract the attention of several major European clubs, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal is also continuing his progress. The Stade Rennais defender, who was developed at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, is the second Moroccan player featured in the Top 100.
Created in 2003 by Tuttosport, the Golden Boy award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in European football. Previous winners include Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Lamine Yamal. France’s Désiré Doué is the reigning title holder.
