Reports: Ayoub Bouadi's decision shocks France.

The choice of rising talent Ayoub Bouaddi to represent the Moroccan national team in the future has sparked widespread reactions in French football circles, after the Lille player decided to secure his international future in favor of the "Atlas Lions," despite the significant interest shown by the French Football Federation in his services in recent times.

Bouaddi's decision came as a shock within France, especially since the 18-year-old midfielder was seen as one of the most promising talents in French football, following the impressive performances he delivered while wearing the Lille jersey over the past two seasons.

French media reports confirmed that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation succeeded in convincing the player of the national team's project, as part of the strategy it employs to attract top dual-nationality players, having previously secured the services of prominent names in recent years, such as Ibrahim Diaz and Ibrahim Rabaj.

The same sources added that French coach Didier Deschamps had been closely monitoring Bouaddi's development, and there was discussion within the French federation about the possibility of him being included in the senior national team project in the future, especially with Zinedine Zidane nearing a coaching role with the French team after the 2026 World Cup.

Reports indicated that the sports project presented by Morocco, along with the player's family ties to his home country, played a crucial role in his final decision, as the indicators in recent weeks clearly leaned towards his choice to wear the Moroccan national team jersey.

This step is seen as a significant gain for Moroccan football, considering the player's great technical abilities and his potential to strengthen the midfield of the "Atlas Lions" for many years, especially in light of the increasing ambitions of the Moroccan national team following the historic achievement in the "2022 World Cup."

French media also considered that Morocco's approach to officially securing Bouaddi's commitment sends a strong message about the attractiveness of the Moroccan sports project and its ability to attract the most promising talents in Europe.

The same sources concluded by affirming that the official announcement of Ayoub Bouaddi joining the Moroccan national team is now just a matter of time, amid great anticipation for his potential inclusion in the Moroccan squad participating in the 2026 World Cup.