Proud to Represent My Country.. Bouaddi Comments on Choosing Morocco Over France

SadaNews - Moroccan international Ayoub Bouaddi, a player for Lille in France, expressed his great happiness and pride in being called up to the Moroccan national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Bouaddi, who is 19 years old and considered one of the most promising talents, decided to defend the colors of the "Atlas Lions" after deep reflection that resulted in his conviction regarding the project of the Moroccan Football Federation.

Bouaddi Proud to Represent Morocco

Bouaddi said: "I made my decision and I am very proud of it and feel relieved. I am proud to represent my country, Morocco. Thank you very much to the Moroccan people, and I hope that we can achieve great things together."

He added: "I aspire to contribute a lot and to utilize my potential for the benefit of the team. I am confident that this team has the quality and spirit capable of creating and achieving great and impressive things."

These statements come as a confirmation of Bouaddi's comfort after months of contemplating his international future, according to the French network "RMC Sport," as he wore the French national team's jersey in the youth categories before making his decision to represent Morocco.

According to the same network, Bouaddi had been greatly admired by Moroccan football officials for several months: "Recognizing the great talent that the player possesses."

Moroccan Football Federation officials succeeded in presenting convincing arguments to encourage the young talent to respond to the national team’s call, especially considering the promising horizon awaiting him in the 2026 World Cup.

Bouaddi acknowledged the prominent role played by Morocco's coach Muhammad Wahbi, as well as the president of the Moroccan Federation, Fawzi Lekjaa, in helping him make his decision.

Bouaddi said: "The coach and the president told me right away that I should choose Morocco because this is the right decision. The reception here has been incredible, and everything is perfect."

Bouaddi's name was at the top of the expanded list for the Moroccan national team, which included 28 names, announced by Muhammad Wahbi last Thursday.

This call-up is Bouaddi's first following the Moroccan Federation's procedures to qualify him internationally and change his sporting nationality from French to Moroccan.

The World Cup draw placed the Moroccan national team in Group C alongside Brazil, the five-time World Champion, Scotland, and Haiti.

Source: French Press