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Just a little over a month before the World Cup began, Ayyoub Bouaddi was still weighing up his international future. Would the France Under-21 midfielder continue to represent the country of his birth, or would he accept an approach from Morocco, his parents’ homeland? After much reflection, Bouaddi chose the latter — and it already appears to be a masterstroke.

If his dazzling World Cup debut against Brazil on Saturday showed anything, it’s that Bouaddi possesses near-flawless decision-making. Time and again, the teenager collected the ball under immense pressure in dangerous areas, yet calmly escaped each situation — either with a pinpoint pass or by gliding past elite opponents with exceptional composure.

In an enthralling 1-1 draw in New Jersey, Bouaddi provided his Moroccan teammates with the perfect platform to challenge Brazil. While the world marvelled at such maturity from a 17-year-old, those who have worked with him were hardly surprised — Bouaddi has long been seen as a star in the making.

‘Destined for success’

Born in Senlis, northern France, Bouaddi started playing football at age five in nearby Creil. Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, he opted to join Lille in 2021 when he was just 13.

“Ayyoub was an obvious choice: tall, comfortable in midfield, with superb technique and vision,” former coach Georges Tournay told L’Equipe. “He was destined for success, much like Raphael Varane.”

Just over two years after joining Lille, Bouaddi signed his first professional contract with the Ligue 1 club. “I’m very happy,” he told the club’s official website. “Becoming a professional here was a dream. What’s next? I just want to keep performing and working hard every day to eventually secure a regular place in the senior squad.”

He achieved that goal far sooner than anyone expected.

‘Player for the future’

Bouaddi’s rise through Lille’s youth system was rapid. He had already featured for the reserves in France’s fifth division when head coach Paulo Fonseca handed him a start in a UEFA Conference League tie against KI Klaksvik on October 5, 2023.

At just 16 years and three days old, Bouaddi became the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA club competition, as well as Lille’s youngest player since 1981. Fonseca remarked at the time, “We have discovered a player for the future.” As it turned out, he was also a player for the present.

Two weeks later, Bouaddi came off the bench in a Ligue 1 fixture against Brest, becoming the youngest top-flight player of the 21st century. By the end of the 2023-24 season, he had made 16 senior appearances. It was no surprise when Lille extended his contract until 2027 during the summer.

“I’m proud and happy to continue my journey with LOSC — the club that gave me my chance and helped me make my professional debut,” he said. “My ambitions for next season? To give my all to achieve the club’s goals and make our fans proud.”

Happiest of birthdays

Lille supporters were bursting with pride after Bouaddi’s ice-cool performance in their shock but fully deserved 1-0 victory over reigning European champions Real Madrid on October 2, 2024.

On his 17th birthday, and up against midfield heavyweights like Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga, Bouaddi displayed remarkable calmness. He completed 43 of his 44 passes, and his special day ended with the Stade Pierre-Mauroy serenading him in celebration.

Lille boss Bruno Genesio couldn’t hide his delight for the young midfielder, who had previously won a public speaking competition attended by France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron.

“He’s a boy with a very good head on his shoulders,” Genesio told reporters. “We know how talented he is. He must keep proving himself, but there’s little to worry about when it comes to him.”

Genesio’s faith was justified. In Lille’s final Champions League match before the November international break, Bouaddi was named Player of the Match after a commanding display in the 1-1 draw with Juventus — another performance that underlined his immense potential.

Transfer buzz

His outstanding display against Juventus inevitably sparked rumours linking him with the Italian giants. It also emerged that Fonseca had attempted, unsuccessfully, to bring Bouaddi to AC Milan when he took charge at San Siro in the summer of 2024.

However, neither Serie A club seems likely to succeed now. Bouaddi’s market value soared throughout a season in which he started 37 games for Lille, attracting attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

Reports suggest Lille president Olivier Letang values the youngster at no less than £70 million ($94 million), viewing him as the club’s most talented academy graduate since Eden Hazard nearly twenty years ago. That price tag, though steep, is unlikely to deter Bouaddi’s many admirers.

Brilliant against Brazil

Interest in Bouaddi has only intensified following his commanding performance against Brazil’s star-studded midfield featuring Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all reportedly keen — and it’s easy to see why.

In the only World Cup match so far between two top-10 nations, Bouaddi was the standout performer. He won more duels than any other player and had more touches of the ball than any midfielder on either side.

Big decision ahead

Whether a summer switch to PSG would benefit Bouaddi immediately is debatable, given Luis Enrique already commands one of the strongest midfields in world football. Game time could be limited at this stage of his development.

Bayern Munich are also monitoring him closely. While Joshua Kimmich remains a fixture in their midfield, the club will soon need a long-term successor — and few young players fit that profile as well as Bouaddi.

At Arsenal, competition for midfield places is fierce, illustrated by £56 million signing Martin Zubimendi losing his starting role to Myles Lewis-Skelly by the end of his debut season. Yet, after being outplayed by PSG in the Champions League final, Mikel Arteta is reportedly eager to recruit Bouaddi, whose blend of strength and skill could be crucial in bridging that gap.

As for Liverpool, their interest comes as no surprise. The Reds struggled for midfield stability last season, and Bouaddi appears to be the all-rounded, athletic No.6 they’ve been searching for since Jurgen Klopp’s era.

Bouaddi acknowledges the growing interest in his services but insists his immediate focus is on helping Morocco progress as far as possible in the World Cup. However, when the time comes for his next major career decision, few doubt he’ll once again make the right choice.