Ayyoub Bouaddi dazzles on Morocco World Cup debut against Brazil as team-mates hail 18-year-old | OneFootball

Ayyoub Bouaddi lit up Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil, delivering a standout World Cup debut at 18 and quickly winning over team-mates.

Ismael Saibari struck on 21 minutes before Vinicius Junior levelled on 32. According to L'Équipe, the midfielder has already endeared himself to squad and supporters.

He made six recoveries, won nine of 15 duels and was assured in possession, operating as Morocco’s midfield hub. The precocious Lille player had outplayed Real Madrid’s midfield on his first Champions League start at 17, a 1-0 win, and gained his baccalauréat at 16.

In March he captained France Under-21s, then in May chose Morocco, to the FFF’s disappointment. Neil El-Aynaoui praised his maturity and calm under pressure. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said they pushed for him to choose Morocco and felt starting him carried no risk.

Despite only four caps, including friendlies against Burundi, Madagascar and Norway that ended 5-0, 4-0 and 1-1, he drew the largest media scrum. Some reporters called him the real man of the match, though FIFA gave it to Vinicius Junior. Marquinhos said World Cups also reveal new talents.

His emergence gives Ouahbi fresh options, including a true double pivot with El-Aynaoui after the latter patrolled alone at the Africa Cup of Nations. El-Aynaoui said the group are showing strength and hope that augurs well. Lille president Olivier Létang watched at MetLife Stadium as the midfielder, under contract until 2029 and nearing 100 games for LOSC, further boosted his value.

Source: L'Équipe