The future of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to be one of the first issues facing Morocco’s new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi as he begins his tenure with the national team.
Bouaddi, 18, is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football. Born in France to Moroccan parents, he is eligible to play for both countries and has not yet decided which national team he will represent.
The midfielder has previously said he hopes to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has not confirmed whether he intends to do so with Morocco or France.
Bouaddi has already drawn attention after becoming the youngest player to appear in a UEFA club competition. His breakthrough performances with LOSC Lille, including a notable display against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, have increased interest in his international future.
Observers say Ouahbi’s appointment could give Morocco a stronger chance of convincing the player to choose the Atlas Lions. The coach built his reputation working with young players and recently led Morocco’s under-20 team to victory at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He is known for focusing on youth development and helping integrate emerging talent into senior teams.
Ouahbi also spent years in youth development at RSC Anderlecht, where he worked with academy prospects who later became leading European players.
Morocco’s football federation sees his appointment as part of a wider plan to connect youth teams with the senior side ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.
On the pitch, Bouaddi is viewed as a modern midfielder capable of playing as a number eight or a deep-lying playmaker. His passing range and ability to progress the ball could complement players such as Neil Al Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi in Morocco’s midfield.
However, competition from France remains strong. With Bouaddi holding both nationalities, his decision is likely to remain open until he makes a final choice. The key question now is whether Ouahbi can persuade the young midfielder that his international future lies with Morocco.
