Ayyoub Bouaddi (foto: Getty Images)
France has lost highly rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to Morocco, while Matías Fernández-Pardo has committed his future to Belgium.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is regarded as one of the biggest talents of the 2007 generation, but France will not see him in the senior national team.
The highly rated Lille midfielder has decided to represent Morocco internationally, ending hopes that one of French football’s brightest young prospects would eventually wear the blue shirt of Les Bleus.
The decision is a major success for Morocco ahead of the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Only 18 years old, Bouaddi has already become an important player for Lille despite his age. This season he has made 41 appearances and played more than 3,000 minutes for the French club.
His performances have attracted attention across Europe, with reports linking him to clubs such as Bayern Munich.
Bouaddi is currently captain of the France U21 national team, which makes his decision even more painful for the French federation.
Morocco, however, continues strengthening its squad with elite dual-nationality talents after the country’s historic World Cup run in Qatar.
The Moroccans will play in Group C at the upcoming World Cup alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
After reaching the semi-finals at the previous tournament, Morocco will once again believe it can surprise the football world.
LILLE STILL FIGHTING FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLACE
Meanwhile, Bouaddi and Lille remain fully focused on the battle for third place in Ligue 1.
Lille currently holds the position, but Lyon sits only one point behind, while Rennes trails by two points heading into the final round.
Lille will host Auxerre, Lyon travels to Lens, and Rennes faces Marseille.
Paris Saint-Germain has already secured the French league title.
ANOTHER LILLE TALENT CHANGES INTERNATIONAL FUTURE
Bouaddi is not the only Lille player who recently changed international direction.
Matías Fernández-Pardo, born in Belgium to a Spanish father and Italian mother, has also made a major national team decision.
The young attacker recently received a call-up from Spain U21, but he has now decided to represent Belgium at senior level instead.
Fernández-Pardo is also targeting the World Cup after a strong season in France.
The Lille forward has contributed eight goals and seven assists this season after arriving from Belgian club Gent in 2024.