Ayyoub Bouaddi says he is in no rush to decide his international future, insisting he will take his time before choosing between France and Morocco.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who plays for Lille OSC, made his position clear while speaking during a press conference with France’s second national team setup.
“I have not made my decision yet,” Bouaddi said. “Choosing a national team is a major step in a player’s career. I want to give myself time, and I do not want to move too quickly.”
His comments come amid growing attention over his international allegiance, with both France and Morocco monitoring his progress closely.
Ayyoub Bouaddi remains eligible for multiple nations, making his eventual choice one of the more closely watched decisions among emerging players with dual nationality.
When asked whether he plans to settle the matter before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the midfielder made it clear that no timeline has been set.
“There is no deadline,” he said. “It is a personal decision. It has to come from the heart.”
The teenager’s stance suggests a deliberate effort to block out external pressure and focus on his development at club level.
He also emphasised that his decision will not be based solely on football considerations, pointing to the importance of family in shaping his choice.
“You also have to think about your family and the people you love,” Bouaddi added. “There is no pressure around this.”
Bouaddi’s rise at Lille has increased interest in his international future. Regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in French football, his performances have brought him into the spotlight at both domestic and international levels.
For Morocco, securing Bouaddi would align with their ongoing strategy of recruiting dual-nationality players to strengthen the squad for upcoming major tournaments. France, meanwhile, will be keen to retain one of their emerging talents within their national team system.
For now, Bouaddi is keeping his options open, with no immediate decision expected. His focus remains on continuing his development, leaving the question of his international future unresolved for the time being.
