Morocco confident of securing Ayyoub Bouaddi despite French interest

The international future of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi remains under intense scrutiny, with Morocco increasingly confident of securing the highly rated teenager despite his continued involvement with France’s Under-21 side.

At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has emerged as a major talent in European football, attracting attention not only for his performances in Ligue 1 but also for the tug-of-war between the French Football Federation (FFF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

While the player has publicly insisted he will take his time before committing, reports suggest Morocco believes his decision is already settled.

According to information from specialist outlet Soccer212, a crucial meeting took place in November 2024 when Bouaddi and his parents held talks with FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa.

During the discussions, administrative steps were reportedly initiated to secure a Moroccan national card and passport in preparation for a future call-up.

Confident in the outcome, Lekjaa was said to have described Bouaddi as a “pure Moroccan product” destined to represent the Atlas Lions.

Sources close to the talks claim that Bouaddi and his family have already given their approval in principle to Morocco, though the official announcement has been delayed.

The strategy, one insider explained, is about timing and protection for Ayoub, ensuring the midfielder is not subjected too early to the weight of public and sporting expectations.

Despite Morocco’s optimism, Bouaddi himself has remained careful in his public remarks. In an interview with So Foot earlier this year, he underlined his desire to remain patient:

For now, I’m in the French U21 team and I feel good. And to tell you the whole truth, my only decision right now is to give myself time to choose.

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Ayoub Bouaddi a donné son feu vert pour rejoindre les Lions de l’Atlas depuis novembre 2024 et un rendez-vous en compagnie de ses parents avec Mr Lekjaa.

« C’est une histoire de timing et de protection pour Ayoub. »

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— SOCCER212 (@SCCR_212) August 30, 2025

Speaking previously to L’Équipe, he stressed the independence of his decision-making process:

As when I chose Lille, I will make my decision alone, without letting myself be influenced.

His words underline a determination to keep control of his career path, weighing both his strong cultural ties to Morocco and the footballing opportunities available with France.

The FFF, for its part, continues to involve Bouaddi in its youth setup, hoping to strengthen his integration.

He has again been included in the Espoirs squad for September’s training camp, a clear signal of France’s determination not to relinquish one of its brightest prospects without a fight.

For now, Bouaddi’s final declaration remains pending.

While Morocco is confident the midfielder has already chosen to align with the Atlas Lions, the player insists patience and reflection will guide the moment he makes his choice public.