Rabat – Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi has named former Barcelona midfielder Andrés Iniesta as his childhood football idol, recalling how he used to search YouTube for videos of the Spanish legend’s dribbling skills.
Speaking on the official Manchester City podcast, the 19-year-old reflected on the players who shaped his interest in football and the influence Iniesta had on him growing up.
“The player I watched? Andrés Iniesta. He was the player I followed the most. I didn’t watch him play that much, but whenever I did, he was incredible,” Bouaddi said.
“I grew up with the generation of YouTube compilations. When I was a child, I watched videos of Iniesta’s skills on YouTube every day,” he added.
Iniesta spent most of his career at Barcelona, where he won nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. He also scored the winning goal in Spain’s 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.
Known for his close control, quick passing and ability to escape pressure in tight spaces, the former midfielder became a reference point for younger players seeking to develop their technical abilities.
Bouaddi had previously spoken about his admiration for Iniesta in an April 2025 interview with So Foot.
“When I was little, the player who impressed me most was Andrés Iniesta. He understood football so well,” he said at the time.
The Moroccan also named Luka Modric among his favorite midfielders, particularly for the Croatian’s vision, passing and positional awareness.
Bouaddi has since established himself among Europe’s promising young midfielders.
After making his professional debut for Lille at 16, he earned a place in Morocco’s senior national team and represented the Atlas Lions at the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals.
His performances attracted Manchester City’s attention, and the English club signed him in August on a five-year contract running until 2031.
Now under Enzo Maresca, Bouaddi is adapting to Premier League football while continuing to develop the technical qualities he admired in Iniesta as a child.
