Bouaddi Announces Himself on the World Cup Stage
If you had not heard of Ayyoub Bouaddi before Saturday evening, you almost certainly have now. The 18-year-old Lille midfielder was the standout performer as Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup 2026 opener at the MetLife Stadium — outshining even Vinícius Júnior, who was awarded man of the match despite many observers feeling Bouaddi had done far more to shape the contest.
According to The Guardian, Bouaddi recorded 88 touches, won 11 duels and completed 30 successful passes in the opposition’s half, finishing with a passing accuracy of 93%. Perhaps most strikingly, he consistently got the better of Casemiro — a player nearly twice his age and with a Champions League-laden career behind him.
Coach Had No Doubts
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was not among those left stunned. Speaking after the match, he was clear that this was no gamble.