Didier Deschamps did not call, Zinédine Zidane did not reassure: Ayyoub Bouaddi picks Morocco over France | OneFootball

Impressive against Brazil in the World Cup opener, Ayyoub Bouaddi will face his birth country, France, in Thursday’s quarter-final at 22:00. His decision to represent Morocco has stirred regret in France.

The Lille midfielder, 18, chose his roots and his 1-1 showing against Brazil on 14 June impressed many. "It is a significant loss for the FFF," said French technical director Hubert Fournier in The Athletic.

Up to spring he weighed France and Morocco despite sustained overtures. Between July and December 2025, then Morocco coach Walid Regragui visited Lille three times to recruit him for the Africa Cup of Nations, but Bouaddi prioritised LOSC and would not miss eight matches. Létang, with whom he spoke openly, urged patience.

Létang warned the FFF, even calling president Philippe Diallo, who said it was not his remit. With no pre-call, March’s United States tour list underlined Didier Deschamps’s stance, he had not spoken to Bouaddi, would only call him at the right moment, and midfield competition was fierce.

Zinédine Zidane phoned but could promise nothing, while new coach Mohamed Ouahbi and federation president Fouzi Lekjaa kept pushing. In early May Bouaddi decided alone, telling his parents he dreamt of playing at a World Cup. France remains dear to him, yet he opted for certainty, and assistant Guy Stéphan this week pointed to depth with Tchouaméni, Rabiot, Kanté, Zaïre-Emery and Koné.

Source: L'Équipe