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Rabat – Morocco’s rising stars continue to gain recognition across Europe. Atlas Lions internationals Ayyoub Bouaddi and Rayane Bounida have officially been included in the European Golden Boy 2026 Top 100 shortlist.
The award, created by Tuttosport and supported this year through an exclusive partnership with Transfermarkt, honors the best player under the age of 21 competing in European football. Over the years, the prize has become a strong indicator of future stardom, with some of the game’s biggest names previously appearing on the list.
Bouaddi is enjoying a breakthrough season with LOSC Lille and has already climbed to sixth place in the first rankings of the year. The 18-year-old midfielder’s rise has been impossible to ignore, with his market value now reportedly exceeding €50 million.
The teenager recently made headlines off the pitch as well, choosing to represent Morocco internationally after progressing through France’s youth setup. For the Atlas Lions, securing one of Europe’s most highly rated young midfielders is undoubtedly a huge win.
Bounida’s journey is similar. The gifted attacking midfielder, currently developing at Ajax Amsterdam, also opted to switch his international future to Morocco after featuring for Belgium at the youth level. Still only 20, he’s an intriguing name to watch as his career continues to develop.
Seeing both players on the list says plenty about the direction Morocco is heading. The national team is not only producing talent but also increasingly convincing elite dual-national prospects that their future belongs with the Atlas Lions.
The Golden Boy rankings will continue to shift throughout the year, with updates released every month based on players’ performances and statistics. By October, the field will be narrowed to just 20 finalists before a panel of experts casts the final vote.
For now, Warren Zaïre-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain is viewed as the early frontrunner to take over from Désiré Doué and claim the 2026 Golden Boy crown.
Read also: Bouaddi, Boufal Named in L’Équipe Team of the Week After Strong Ligue 1 Finish
