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News • October 20, 2026 • 2 min read

Ayyoub Bouaddi's Rise: A Gratifying Choice for Morocco Amid French Regrets

Le Maroc 360
Le Maroc 360 Staff Writer
Ayyoub Bouaddi's Rise: A Gratifying Choice for Morocco Amid French Regrets

Ayyoub Bouaddi's Impact on Moroccan Football

In a thrilling showcase of talent, Ayyoub Bouaddi delivered a stunning performance against Paris Saint-Germain last week, a feat that has left the French national team grappling with a sense of lost opportunity. Bouaddi, who has become a rising star at Manchester City, was once a potential recruit for France, yet he ultimately chose to represent Morocco, a decision that now seems remarkably prescient given his recent success. At only 19, he found the allure of competing in a World Cup with the Lions of the Atlas irresistible, particularly when France had not given him a significant role in their plans.

His choice was not merely about national pride; it was a strategic decision that has paid off handsomely for Morocco. Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French team, seemingly overlooked Bouaddi, which inadvertently opened the door for the young Moroccan talent to shine on the global stage. The ramifications of this decision are profound for both nations, with Morocco now benefiting from Bouaddi's exceptional skills and potential, while France must contend with the regret of missing out on a player who could have significantly bolstered their midfield.

The Aftermath of Bouaddi's Decision

As articulated by former journalist Pierre Ménès, the repercussions of Deschamps’ announcement that Bouaddi would not be included in the World Cup squad were felt deeply within French football. Ménès pointed out that while Bouaddi may claim his choice was purely emotional, it also aligns with his sporting aspirations. Had France acted sooner, they might have secured Bouaddi’s talents before Morocco could capitalize on the situation. For Morocco, this has been a fortunate turn of events, as his presence on the team adds significant depth and skill, particularly evident in high-stakes matches like those against elite clubs such as PSG.

As Bouaddi continues to excel, Morocco stands to gain immensely from his contributions, and the nation expresses gratitude towards Deschamps for his oversight. With performances like the one against PSG, Bouaddi not only cements his place within the Moroccan squad but also highlights the potential of Moroccan football on the world stage. The future looks bright for both Bouaddi and Moroccan football, as they aim to build on this momentum and capitalize on the talent that is now proudly representing the nation.

As reported by foot01.com.

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Le Maroc 360
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Le Maroc 360

Journalist and contributing editor at Lemaroc360 covering breaking news, Moroccan society, and international developments.