Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi said he was very proud to have been selected for the first time with Morocco for the 2026 World Cup in two weeks. The one who represented the Blues among the youth also had a thought for France in his touching message on social networks.
Ayyoub Bouaddi speaks after his call-up for the World Cup. A few days after formalizing his choice to represent Morocco at the expense of France, the Lille midfielder, only 18 years old, was selected with the Atlas Lions for the first time by Mohamed Ouahbi to fly across the Atlantic for the World Cup.
Shortly after the announcement of the Moroccan list, Bouaddi published a long message on his Twitter account accompanied by a photo of himself at 10 years old… in the stands of a stadium in Russia, Atlas Lions jersey on his back, during the 2018 World Cup. And he reiterated his pride and his honor at being able to participate in “the greatest of competitions” under the red and green colors.
“Always proud of my dual culture”
“Proud to be able to represent Morocco in the biggest competition. A dream that comes true, but above all the start of a new stage, with even more work, demands and responsibilities. I am aware of the privilege I have to defend these colors and I will give everything to best represent my country”, wrote the nugget born in 2007.
But the Franco-Moroccan also had a word for his country of birth. He wanted to point out that his desire to represent his country of origin in sport was not synonymous with rejection of France. “A thought also for France. My choice in no way takes away the pride and recognition of having been able to wear this jersey as a youth. I am and will always remain proud of my dual culture, my background and my roots,” assured Ayyoub Bouaddi.
“Thank you all for your messages and your support. It’s up to us to write the rest,” he concluded. With the Atlas Lions, he will play two friendly matches against Madagascar on June 2 and then Norway on the 7th before entering the World Cup. In group C, Morocco will begin its competition against Brazil on June 14, then face Scotland on the 20th and finally Haiti on the 25th for the group stage.
