France ramps up efforts to retain Ayyoub Bouaddi as Morocco switch stalls

Highly rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is reportedly facing mounting pressure in France aimed at delaying, if not preventing, his anticipated decision to represent Morocco at the international level.

According to a source, Bouadi has become a major talking point within French sporting circles in recent days, largely due to the intervention of France national team head coach Didier Deschamps, who is said to be reluctant to lose what is viewed as a rare and emerging football talent.

The report notes that expectations had been growing that the 18-year-old would soon commit his international future to Morocco, particularly in the aftermath of the disappointment surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2025.

However, French pressure has intensified in recent days, with the French Football Federation reportedly stepping in strongly to persuade the youngster to reconsider and avoid making a definitive choice in favour of the Atlas Lions.

Amid this climate, Bouadi is said to have opted for caution. The Lille star currently prefers to delay his final decision as he weighs his options under significant external pressure.

He has reportedly requested additional time to reflect, seeking to ensure that his eventual choice is clear and irreversible. The possibility of featuring for France’s under 21 side during the next international window in March has not been ruled out.

Despite the renewed efforts from the French camp, the same source indicates that Bouadi has already taken concrete steps towards representing Morocco. He is said to have obtained a national identity card as an initial move, paving the way for a formal change of sporting nationality that would make him eligible to feature in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For now, Bouadi’s international future remains unresolved, with both France and Morocco closely watching his next move as the tug of war over his allegiance continues.