Didier Deschamps believed that Ayyoub Bouaddi was not yet ready to join the France senior national team before the young midfielder decided to represent Morocco. The revelation was made by Hubert Fournier, the French Football Federation’s (FFF) National Technical Director, in an interview with The Athletic.
According to Hubert Fournier, Bouaddi was included in France’s extended squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the strong competition in midfield meant that he was not guaranteed a place in the final squad. « Deschamps chose not to select Bouaddi, while Morocco offered him the opportunity to play in the World Cup, » he explained, describing the decision as « a significant loss » for French football.
Last May, the 18-year-old midfielder, who was developed in France and had represented all of France’s youth national teams, officially chose to represent the Atlas Lions.
Morocco gave him his chance
A few weeks later, Bouaddi played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Morocco, where he quickly established himself as one of the tournament’s breakout stars. His performances, particularly against Brazil in the group stage, confirmed the Moroccan Royal Football Federation’s decision to place its trust in him.
His decision proved to be the right one: while France still considered him to be in the learning phase, Morocco gave him a leading role on the world stage, further strengthening one of the most promising generations in its history.
