I am proud to represent my country: Ayyoub Bouaddi relishes his choice of Morocco and is already thinking about the 2026 World Cup

Ayyoub Bouaddi, a promising midfielder from LOSC Lille, has made headlines by choosing to represent Morocco in international football. At just 18 years old, Bouaddi has been recognized as one of the brightest talents of his generation. His decision to don the Moroccan jersey comes after a thoughtful deliberation, influenced by the compelling vision presented by the Moroccan Football Federation and the warm welcome he received from fans and officials alike. Bouaddi's journey to this decision was not straightforward. Initially, he had been part of the French youth teams, but the allure of representing his parents' homeland proved too strong to resist. The Moroccan Federation's approach was strategic, highlighting the potential for success in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place in North America. Bouaddi expressed that the encouragement from the national coach, Mohamed Ouadhi, and the Federation's president, Faouzi Lekdjâa, played a crucial role in his choice. "They told me that choosing Morocco was the right decision, and I felt the incredible support from everyone involved," he stated. The midfielder's emotional connection to Morocco is evident. He shared his gratitude towards the Moroccan people, stating, "I am very proud of my choice. It is a relief to have made this decision. I am proud to represent my country, Morocco. A big thank you to the Moroccan people, and I hope we can achieve great things together." His heartfelt words reflect the weight of his decision and the excitement that comes with it. As Bouaddi prepares to join a Moroccan team that reached the semifinals of the last World Cup and was a finalist in the recent Africa Cup of Nations, the expectations are high. The upcoming World Cup in 2026 represents a significant opportunity for Morocco to solidify its status among the elite in global football. Bouaddi's commitment to the national team is a promising sign for the future of Moroccan football, and fans are eager to see how he will contribute to the team's success on the world stage.