From unknown talent to World Cup shooting star: an 18-year-old is causing a sensation

probably is the discovery of the World Cup. Already in the opening game against Brazil Morocco-Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi with his ball handling and his understanding of the game amazes. With his strikingly long hair, the 18-year-old dribbled through the Brazilians and immediately caught the spotlight on the big stage.

On Saturday (7 p.m./live Hello TV) Bouaddi should now also prove his talent against Canada. But where did this 18-year-old suddenly come from?

Bouaddi: Change of nation only shortly before the World Cup

Bouaddi has even been one in Morocco blank slate. Only this May, after Didier Deschamps After not selecting him for France’s World Cup squad, the native Frenchman with Moroccan parents decided to play for his home country. Previously, Bouaddi went through all of France’s youth national teams.

The midfielder has been playing for the French first division club since 2021 OSC Lille. Despite his young age, he has already made 96 competitive appearances. After his appearances at this World Cup at the latest, the top European clubs are vying for the teenager. Last year it almost doubled its market value to 50 million euros. After the World Cup, several million more will be added. However, Lille can sit back and relax.

It was only in December that the “Great Danes” extended the super talent’s contract until 2029. Lille President Olivier Letang recently said RMC Sport: “50 million? No, that’s not enough.”

Top clubs are lining up

Sea Sky However, the French would be willing to talk from an offer of 70 million euros. FC Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Real Madrid and some other top clubs are said to have already inquired about Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old himself remains down-to-earth despite the growing interest in himself. The Lille-Juwel completed her high school diploma at the age of just 16. Bouaddi has been studying mathematics ever since.

The Moroccan also hopes this will bring advantages for playing football. “If you learn at the same time, it keeps your mind awake. Math can help me understand the game more quickly, especially tactically,” the 18-year-old told the French daily The Parisian.