Ayyoub Bouaddi becomes second youngest World Cup quarter-finalist after Pelé

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·10 July 2026

Ayyoub Bouaddi becomes second youngest World Cup quarter-finalist after Pelé

Ayyoub Bouaddi has become the second youngest player to appear in a World Cup quarter-final, behind Pelé, after starting for Morocco against France on Thursday.

According to L'Équipe, the Lille midfielder’s selection set the mark at 18 years and 280 days. He chose Morocco over France.

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Bouaddi has impressed throughout this World Cup.

Pelé was 17 years and 239 days when he played his first World Cup quarter-final, Brazil against Wales in 1958. He scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory.

That strike made him the youngest scorer in World Cup history, a record that still stands. He went on to lead Brazil to their first title with six goals, a fine example for Bouaddi.

Source: L'Équipe