Ayyoub Bouaddi, the young 17-year-old LOSC midfielder, finds himself at the heart of a Franco-Moroccan battle. Born in France to Moroccan parents, the player is torn between the two nations who look kindly on him.
While he has just been called up to the France Espoirs team to play two friendly matches in November, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is trying to convince him to join the Atlas Lions.
This duel of influence can be explained by the exceptional performances of the young Lille prodigy, who notably shone in the Champions League against Real Madrid and Juventus. His precocious talent had already caught the attention of France, who upgraded him to the U20s last month for a friendly against Morocco. A French international since the U16s, Bouaddi has 17 caps and 2 goals to his credit.
To read: Between France and Morocco, Ayyoub Bouaddi’s heart swings
“He showed all the potential, all the talent he has. We know what he is capable of. He’s a boy who has a very well shaped head. He has the talent to play at this level. You have to know how to confirm, but I don’t think there’s too much to worry about in that regard with him,” said his Lille coach, Bruno Génésio, after the victory against Real Madrid.
For now, the young man finds himself faced with a choice that is undoubtedly very difficult to make, but Morocco has a great power of deterrence.
Morocco
