Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old midfielder for Lille OSC, has reportedly made a decision regarding his international future. According to multiple sources, Bouaddi has chosen to represent Morocco, the country of his parents, rather than France, where he was born and raised.
Bouaddi, who has represented France at youth levels including the U-17 and U-19 teams, was eligible to switch allegiance to Morocco through FIFA regulations. The decision ends months of speculation about his international career.
Morocco's national team, the Atlas Lions, have been actively recruiting dual-nationality players in recent years, a strategy that paid off with their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals. Bouaddi is seen as a promising talent who could strengthen their midfield.
As of May 16, 2026, no official confirmation has been made by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation or the French Football Federation. However, reports indicate that Bouaddi has informed both federations of his choice.
