Player profile
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Midfielder · Lille
Ayyoub Bouaddi is the 18-year-old midfielder who went from Lille's academy to Morocco's World Cup midfield in three seasons, and is now the subject of a reported Manchester City move after starring in North America.
Career
Bouaddi joined Lille's academy from AFC Creil in 2021 and signed his first professional contract in August 2023. That October, at 16 years and three days, he became the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA club competition when he debuted against KÍ in the Conference League, and later the youngest Lille player in an official match.
On his 17th birthday in October 2024 he started a Champions League win over Real Madrid, a display so well received that Lille's ultras sang Happy Birthday after the whistle. He extended his Lille contract to 2029 in December 2025 and, in January 2026, became the youngest player to reach 50 Ligue 1 appearances for the club.
How they play
A composed holding midfielder, he is trusted to take the ball under pressure, pass accurately and carry it through midfield; he can also fill in at right-back.
Where they are now
He remains a Lille player while Manchester City and Lille have reached an agreement, reported in late August 2026, for a move worth an initial €95 million. He switched international allegiance from France's youth sides to Morocco in May 2026 and started the World Cup opener against Brazil.
Bio
Club career
- Lille OSC2023
- Lille OSC2021–2023
- AFC Creil2012–2021
International career
- Morocco men's national football teamSince 2026Current
Youth caps: U18 (2024) · U20 (2024) · U21 (2024–2026) · U17 (2023–2024) · U16 (2022–2023)
Honours
No honours on record yet.
Defining moments
Youngest in a European club game2023
His Lille debut against KÍ, at 16 years and three days, made him the youngest player ever to appear in a UEFA club competition.
Birthday start against Real Madrid2024
On his 17th birthday he started Lille's 1–0 Champions League win over Real Madrid and was among the best players on the pitch.
Morocco's teenage World Cup regular2026
In the World Cup quarter-final against France he became the first African teenager to make five World Cup appearances, at 18 years and 280 days.
Latest season stats (ESPN)
In our archive
We haven’t archived a match featuring this player yet — appearances appear here the moment we cover one.
Sources
- ESPN athlete profileJul 18, 2026
- WikidataJul 18, 2026
- Player photo — Bryan BerlinCC BY-SA 4.0
Read for this profile
- Wikipedia — Ayyoub BouaddiAugust 25, 2026
- The Athletic — Manchester City reach Ayyoub Bouaddi agreement with LilleAugust 25, 2026
Profile written / last reviewed August 25, 2026.
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