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Casablanca – Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the teenager’s performances reportedly attracting serious interest from several of Europe’s top clubs.
According to a report by The Athletic, Manchester City are Among the clubs pushing hardest to sign the 18-year-old Lille midfielder, whose valuation is believed to have risen to around €100 million.
A world cup breakthrough
Bouaddi announced himself on the global stage during Morocco’s opening group-stage draw against Brazil, where he impressed with his composure and maturity in midfield despite facing experienced opponents such as Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro.
The young midfielder consistently dedicated Morocco’s tempo throughout the tournament, combining calm distribution with an ability to escape pressure through intelligent dribbling and close ball control.
His performances helped cement his reputation as one of the tournament’s brightest young talents.
Why Europe’s biggest clubs are interested
The report highlights Bouaddi’s technical quality, defensive intelligence and ability to control possession as the main reasons behind the growing interest from Europe’s elite.
Standing at 1.86 metres, he uses his frame to shield the ball effectively while remaining comfortable receiving possession under pressure.
Last season with Lille, he ranked among the best defensive midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons and loose-ball recoveries.
While Bouaddi is capable of producing eye-catching moments, The Athletic notes that he generally prefers quick, safe passes to keep possession flowing rather than forcing risky plays.
Areas still to Improve
Despite the growing hype, the report points out that Bouaddi remains a work in progress.
His forward passing efficiency and attacking output still needs improvement, while his confidence on the ball can occasionally lead to costly turnovers in dangerous areas.
The teenager also registered no goals and just one assist in Ligue 1 last season, underlining that creativity in the final third is not yet the strongest aspect of his game.
A long-term investment
Rather than being viewed as a finished product, Bouaddi is regarded as a midfielder with significant long-term potential.
The Athletic compares his profile to former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets, describing him as an intelligent, tempo-controlling player whose greatest strengths lie in positioning, ball recovery, and dictating play from deep.
With Manchester City reportedly leading the race and Lille valuing him at around €100 million, Bouaddi’s future could become one of the biggest transfer stories to emerge after the 2026 World Cup.
