Ayyoub Bouaddi, Moroccan Prodigy Ready for 2026

The young Moroccan midfielder, recruited by Manchester City, is already gaining international experience despite being just 18 years old.

Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18-year-old Moroccan international, has just joined Manchester City for £85 million. Trained at Lille, the midfielder has already completed three full seasons in Ligue 1 and possesses early European experience. His rapid progression — baccalauréat passed a year early, near-instant learning — makes him a prospect of choice for Morocco ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Bouaddi embodies the new generation of Maghrebi talents capable of competing at the highest level.