News Focus
- Ayyoub Bouaddi dominates midfield in Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil
- 18-year-old Lille star records 88 touches and 93% pass accuracy at MetLife Stadium
- Coach Mohamed Ouahbi convinced teenager to snub France for the Atlas Lions
- Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and PSG tracking £70m-rated talent
- Young Morocco midfield averages just 20.6 years against experienced Brazil side
Morocco’s teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi announced himself on the global stage with a masterful display against Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage clash. The 18-year-old controlled the centre of the pitch with remarkable calm as the Atlas Lions secured a hard-fought draw at the MetLife Stadium in New York.
Even though Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior claimed the man-of-the-match award for his equaliser, football observers agreed that Bouaddi was the true star of the show. The Lille academy graduate completed 88 touches, won 11 duels, and achieved a 93% passing success rate. He completely outplayed Casemiro, the veteran Brazilian who is nearly twice his age.
Bouaddi chose to represent Morocco instead of France, his country of birth. National team coach Mohamed Ouahbi held several meetings to persuade the youngster to join the Atlas Lions before the tournament began. The teenager made his debut for Lille at just 16 years old and has already featured in the UEFA Champions League.
Europe’s top clubs are now watching his situation closely. Arsenal have opened talks about a possible £70 million move, while Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also registered interest. Scouts from Anfield were spotted at the stadium on Saturday evening.
Born in Creil, France, Bouaddi joined Lille’s youth system at the age of 13. He balances his professional football career with university studies in mathematics and physics. “That is how I was raised,” he explained. “It helps keep your mind sharp.”
Morocco’s midfield trio, including Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui and Strasbourg’s Samir El Mourabet, showed great energy and tactical intelligence throughout the match. Their average age of just 20.6 years contrasted sharply with Brazil’s experienced starting eleven. Brazil’s midfield struggled to cope with the pace and movement of their younger opponents.