Bouaddi's Breakthrough Debut
Morocco Coach Ouahbi Praises 18-Year-Old Bouaddi's Standout World Cup Debut Against Brazil
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Key Points
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In Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil, Ouahbi’s gamble paid off in specifics: Bouaddi “got the better of veteran Casemiro” and then “dominat[ed] the midfield battle” after the break against Brazil’s replacement midfielder Fabinho (a Champions League winner).
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Bouaddi’s appearance was his first senior international match: ESPN noted he had been playing within France’s set-up as recently as March (France U21) before turning in his World Cup debut for Morocco.
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Morocco fast-tracked Bouaddi not only into the World Cup squad but also into the build-up: ESPN reported his switch in allegiance was followed by a friendly debut “in a pre-tournament game against Madagascar on June 2.”
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The official eligibility/timeline was unusually tight: Cryptobriefing said FIFA sanctioned Bouaddi’s switch on May 15, 2026, Morocco named him to its 26-man World Cup roster by May 26, and he already had “three senior caps” by early June.
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While Arsenal interest was highlighted elsewhere, Cryptobriefing also reported “Chelsea and Arsenal” were preparing bids that could reach about “45 million euros,” with Lille able to demand higher based on his contract situation (listed as running through 2029).
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said starting 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi against Brazil was "no risk at all." His confidence paid off. Bouaddi controlled the midfield, got the better of veteran Casemiro, and earned man-of-the-match honors in a 1-1 draw at MetLife Stadium in New York on June 13. ESPN reported that just weeks earlier, Bouaddi was still playing for France's U21 side.
"We already knew what he was capable of," Ouahbi said after the match, according to Citi Sports. "I picked him based on performance rather than age." The result puts Morocco in a strong position in Group C — and puts Bouaddi at the center of one of the summer's biggest transfer stories.
From France U21 to World Cup Starter in 90 Days
The timeline of Bouaddi's switch is striking. He played for France U21 as recently as March 2026. Then Morocco's coaching staff began pushing hard to recruit him. On May 15, FIFA officially cleared his switch to Morocco, according to Crypto Briefing. Ouahbi named him to the 26-man World Cup squad just 11 days later.
Bouaddi made his senior international debut on June 2 in a 4-0 friendly win over Madagascar. He picked up his third cap against Norway on June 7, per ESPN. That gave him four senior caps total by the time he walked out against Brazil — a squad assembled at extraordinary speed.
Bouaddi Outdueled Casemiro and Fabinho on the Biggest Stage
Brazil lined up with Casemiro — one of the most decorated defensive midfielders in history — at the base of their midfield. Bouaddi won that battle. Sports Mole reported he "got the better of" Casemiro in the first half and then "dominated the midfield battle" after the break against Fabinho, a Champions League winner, when Brazil made a substitution.
The numbers backed it up. Bouaddi completed 60 of 66 passes — a 91% accuracy rate. He also won 9 duels, made 5 interceptions, and recorded 6 ball recoveries. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side "struggled with nerves" and that Morocco had successfully "neutralized" his midfield anchors.
Lille Holding Firm at €70 Million as Arsenal and Chelsea Circle
Bouaddi's World Cup debut has triggered an immediate bidding war. Head Top Topics reported Arsenal has told the player he is "central to their plans" and that follow-up talks are expected after the tournament. Crypto Briefing added that both Chelsea and Arsenal are preparing opening bids of around €45 million.
Lille president Olivier Létang is not rushing to sell cheaply. The club is holding firm at a €70 million asking price — above Bouaddi's estimated market value of €50–56 million. His contract runs through June 2029, giving Lille significant leverage. That figure would surpass the €80 million the club received for Nicolas Pépé, per Crypto Briefing.
Morocco's Diaspora Strategy Keeps Producing World-Class Talent
Bouaddi is not an isolated case. The Chronicle noted his teammate Riad praised his composure, saying "it's like he's been playing for 20 years." Morocco's recruitment of dual-nationality players is a deliberate policy. Nineteen of the 26-man squad were born abroad, with 12 raised in France or Spain.
Bouaddi fits a clear template — a European-raised player who chose the Atlas Lions over a slower path to a senior squad elsewhere. He has already made 63 senior appearances for Lille, despite being just 18. The 1-1 draw leaves Brazil needing results against Scotland and Haiti, while Morocco looks well-placed to win Group C.
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