Ayyoub Bouaddi’s Morocco switch leaves France regretting missed opportunity

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s emergence at Manchester City has prompted growing regret in France, only months after the 18-year-old midfielder chose to represent Morocco rather than the French national team.

Bouaddi impressed despite Manchester City’s 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, producing a performance that has led some observers to question whether France missed an opportunity – particularly with Zinedine Zidane potentially shaping the future of Les Bleus.

Dave Appadoo was among those struck by the teenager’s display. Speaking on L’Equipe du Soir, the Franco-Mauritian journalist praised Bouaddi’s impact while describing his decision to join Morocco as a setback for French football.

“He completely changed City’s game when he came on. It is a real failure for French football and for Zidane’s project,” Appadoo said.

Bouaddi’s qualities are especially relevant given the different midfield profiles associated with France’s recent and possible future teams. Didier Deschamps often favoured players who could provide a strong physical presence in midfield, whereas Zidane appears more likely to make room for technically gifted players capable of controlling matches, organising play and setting the tempo.

The inclusion of Lucas Da Cunha among Zidane’s choices has been cited as an indication of that preference. Bouaddi fits the same mould, with his passing range, intelligent movement, ability to withstand pressure and maturity standing out despite his age.

The midfielder, who was born in Senlis, still has plenty to learn. However, his performances against Porto and then Paris Saint-Germain suggest he is already capable of competing at the highest level of European football.

His rapid progress has also revived comments made by Faycal Fajr when Bouaddi confirmed his decision to play for Morocco in May. As Moroccan supporters celebrated the arrival of the former French international among the country’s young players, Fajr offered a more sceptical assessment.

“If he really had the level, he would already be in the France team,” he wrote on Instagram.

After facing criticism and accusations of jealousy, Fajr later clarified his position: “At no point did I say that Bouaddi was not a good player, and certainly not that he was not a great talent. But if the France coach did not call him up, there is a reason.”

Bouaddi’s recent displays have made that argument harder to sustain. Didier Deschamps not selecting him at 18 did not necessarily mean he lacked the potential to join France in the coming months, particularly under a different manager with different preferences and footballing principles.

Whether he would have received a chance under Zidane cannot be established, although it appears possible.

Morocco, meanwhile, did not wait for that question to be answered. The Moroccan Football Federation worked extensively to convince Bouaddi, presented him with a sporting project and made clear its intention to build part of the national team’s future around him.

While France had not yet called him into the senior squad, Morocco acted at the decisive moment. As Bouaddi now attracts attention in the Champions League with Manchester City, the Lions of the Atlas can feel satisfied with their decision. France, however, will never know what he might have achieved under Zidane.