Morocco's teenage star Bouaddi impresses on World Cup stage

Olivier Giroud knows a prodigious talent when he sees one. The World Cup winner and BBC Sport pundit compared Ayyoub Bouaddi to Kylian Mbappe, saying, "I played with Kylian Mbappe when he was 18. He was so mature for his age and I have the same feeling with Ayyoub." Giroud, who plays alongside Bouaddi at Lille, has witnessed the teenager's relentless drive to improve.

Bouaddi's impressive World Cup debut for Morocco against Brazil last week came as no surprise to those who know him. "No one is shocked here," said Sofiane Khair, his former coach at Creil. "For us, it's logical." The 18-year-old midfielder, born in Creil, northern France, had represented France at youth levels but ultimately chose to play for Morocco, the country of his family's roots.

Choosing Morocco over France

Giroud admitted he had been "teasing him the whole year regarding picking France," but Bouaddi's decision was clear. To explain his choice, Bouaddi posted an old photograph on Instagram showing himself as a ten-year-old in a Morocco shirt, watching the 2018 World Cup from the stands. "I am aware of the privilege I have to defend these colours and I will give everything to best represent my country," he wrote.

Bouaddi backed up those words in the 1-1 draw against Brazil at the New York New Jersey Stadium. He had more touches (87) and completed more passes (60) than any other Moroccan player. As others tired in the heat, Bouaddi repeatedly dribbled past opponents and drove Morocco forward, even in the final minutes. He also won nine duels, leaving Brazil veteran Casemiro in a heap at one point. Casemiro was substituted at half-time after what Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi called a "masterclass" performance from Bouaddi.

Early promise and record-breaking feats

Bouaddi's ability to perform against older players has been a constant throughout his career. He became the youngest player to debut for Lille when he played against KI just days after turning 16 in 2023. On his 17th birthday, he helped Lille defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League, earning a serenade from fans at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. He later broke Eden Hazard's record for the youngest player to make 50 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille, achieving the feat at age 18.

Giroud praised Bouaddi's willingness to learn, calling him a "perfect team-mate" who knows he is not yet the finished article. "He's a proper box-to-box player, but he needs to improve some things, like his finishing," Giroud said. Bouaddi's wait for a first senior goal continues as Morocco prepares to face Scotland in their next World Cup game on Friday.

Unwavering dedication

Bouaddi's former coach Armand Doue noted that his World Cup performance was nothing out of the ordinary. "He does this kind of match every weekend on the pitches of Ligue 1," Doue said. Bouaddi's thirst for improvement is a recurring theme, with those close to him emphasizing his discipline and focus. As one Lille insider put it, his "rise to prominence is nothing new."