Ayyoub Bouaddi is already making an early claim to be the FIFA World Cup 2026 breakout star from the tournament.
Lining up for Morocco against world heavyweights Brazil, it was the Lille midfielder who took all the plaudits after his impressive display in the opening group game that ended 1-1 between the two sides.
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Social media has been awash with praise for a player that many outside of France may not have heard of before the tournament began.
But those who follow football will have long known about the talent of Ayyoub Bouaddi.
For years now, many in France and abroad have labelled him as the next big midfield talent coming out of Ligue 1.
Bouaddi, born in France but deciding to play for Morocco at senior level, has been earmarked as a generational talent and many have speculated that he will be moving from Lille sooner rather than later.
After his performance yesterday, the world is now asking what’s next.
Fabrizio Romano has already published a video reporting that both Liverpool and Arsenal have had direct contacts for Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Liverpool, Romano reports, have met the players agents to discuss a move.
And now further reports are coming out from France about the talented midfielder.
Santi Aouna reports that Liverpool executives attended the game between Brazil and Morocco to specifically watch Bouaddi play.
The Reds have added him to their midfield shortlist, that also includes Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
But Aouna reports that Liverpool are not the only ones interested in Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Paris-Saint Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are just three other clubs, amongst others, that are named as having an interest in the 18-year-old.
If Bouaddi continues his impressive showings in the World Cup, then expect interest to pique and Lille having to deal with numerous clubs knocking on their doors.
Morocco finished fourth in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar after losing to France in the semi-finals.
If they repeat another run like that, they will provide the world plenty of opportunities to marvel at the talents of Ayyoub Bouaddi.
🚨🔴🇲🇦 #Ligue1 |
❗️Des dirigeants de Liverpool ont fait le déplacement au MetLife Stadium de New York spécialement pour voir jouer Ayyoub Bouaddi
➡️ Les Reds l’ont ajouté dans leur short list tout comme Lamine Camara et d’autres
👀 Plusieurs clubs suivent de près l’évolution… pic.twitter.com/nWQAeZZcxK
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) June 14, 2026
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