France regret Ayyoub Bouaddi switch to Morocco, says Hubert Fournier

The French Football Federation has acknowledged that Ayyoub Bouaddi’s decision to represent Morocco is a “significant loss” for France, with national technical director Hubert Fournier revealing that Didier Deschamps did not consider the youngster ready for senior international football at the time.

Bouaddi, regarded in France as one of the most promising players of his generation, has opted to commit his international future to Morocco during the 2026 World Cup, where he has already begun to make an impact in midfield.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Fournier reflected on the midfielder’s decision and France’s handling of his early development within the national setup.

“In his age group, there is no other Bouaddi.”

Fournier said the French federation had followed the Lille prodigy closely for several years and regarded him as a unique talent within his generation, but ultimately respected his choice to switch allegiance.

He described the situation as a missed opportunity for France but emphasised that the decision lay with the player himself.

“A significant loss for our federation, but it’s his choice. He’s a talent we’ve been following for many years, and we know that, in his age group, there’s no other Bouaddi.”

The French official also explained that national team coach Didier Deschamps had opted not to include the 18-year-old in the squad, believing he was not yet prepared for senior international competition.

That opening, according to Fournier, helped pave the way for Morocco to move quickly and secure his commitment.

“He wasn’t quite ready yet. Morocco offered him that opportunity. I can understand his point of view and his choice,” explains the French national team’s technical director.

Since choosing Morocco, Bouaddi has featured prominently in the Atlas Lions’ midfield during their World Cup campaign, forming part of a youthful and energetic core that has helped the team progress to the knockout stages.

He is expected to be involved again as Morocco prepare for their Round of 16 clash against Canada, where he will line up alongside Brahim Díaz, who has also impressed during the tournament.

Bouaddi’s rise on the international stage continues to underline the growing competition between national federations for emerging talent, particularly among dual-national players developing in Europe’s elite academies.