Bouaddi: From Lille Prodigy to Morocco's World Cup Star
Bouaddi combines early success at Lille with academic excellence and Morocco World Cup experience.
Event / Sports
Manchester City Summer 2026 Transfers
Manchester City's major midfield signings in summer 2026, including the €100 million transfer of Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille and other significant acquisitions.
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2026-08-26 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 26 Aug, 15:05 UTC
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What happened
Bouaddi displayed exceptional academic performance alongside football career
Ayyoub Bouaddi won his training center's public speaking competition at age 15 and earned a scientific high school diploma with top honors at age 16, demonstrating intellectual maturity alongside his football abilities.
Bouaddi becomes Manchester City's second major summer midfield signing
Ayyoub Bouaddi joined Manchester City as the club's second significant midfield acquisition of summer 2026, following English international Elliot Anderson who arrived for €135 million.
Bouaddi signs long-term contract with Manchester City through 2031
Ayyoub Bouaddi committed to Manchester City with a contract extending until 2031. The club announced the signing on Wednesday alongside Lille's confirmation of the transfer terms.
Bouaddi chose to represent Morocco over France at international level
Born in Senlis, Oise, France, to parents of Moroccan origin, Ayyoub Bouaddi was regularly called to the French youth team since 2024. In spring 2026, he opted to play for Morocco instead, and quickly became a key player in the national team.
Bouaddi made professional debut at age 16 and impressed against Real Madrid
Ayyoub Bouaddi was launched into professional football at just 16 years and 3 days, playing for Lille in a Ligue Conférence match against Klaksvik. A year later on his 17th birthday, he demonstrated his maturity and technical skill by helping Lille defeat Real Madrid 1-0 in a Champions League match.
Ayyoub Bouaddi transfers from Lille to Manchester City for €100 million
Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi completed his transfer from Lille to Manchester City on Wednesday. The 18-year-old signed a contract until 2031 for a minimum of €100 million, making it the largest sale of a Ligue 1 player to a foreign club. Bouaddi had a full season with Lille and played five matches for Morocco in the World Cup, including a quarter-final loss to France.
Morocco reached World Cup quarter-finals with Bouaddi; lost 2-0 to France
Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with Ayyoub Bouaddi as a key midfielder. The team lost their quarter-final match to France 2-0.
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Bouaddi Completes €100 Million Transfer to Manchester City
Bouaddi transfers to Manchester City from Lille for €100 million with a long-term contract.