Reports have emerged from France about Zinedine Zidane‘s attempt to convince FIFA World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi to retain his eligibility for Les Bleus. The Lille man turned heads on his competitive debut for Morocco, helping them to secure a 1-1 draw with Brazil in Group C.
According to journalist Daniel Riolo, Zidane, who is widely expected to become the next France coach after Didier Deschamps, held direct talks with Bouaddi. The former Real Madrid boss told the young midfielder that he likes him but refused to guarantee if he would get a key role with him in charge.
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Bouaddi made his Lille debut aged 16 and quickly established himself as one of Europe’s top young players in the months that followed. With a few months to go to the FIFA World Cup, the 18-year-old opted to represent Morocco, the country of his parents, instead of France at senior level. He had played for Les Bleus at various youth levels, including their U-21 team.
Zinedine Zidane, like Bouaddi, is of North African origin, having been born to Algerian parents. He had hoped that the youngster would follow in his footsteps and play for Les Bleus, but the Lille man has chosen a different direction for his international career.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has already captured the attention of multiple top sides across Europe, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The teenager is likely to get a move this summer, with Lille asking for at least €70 million.
France set for FIFA World Cup opener against African giants
FIFA World Cup favourites France are set to commence their campaign against Senegal at the iconic New York New Jersey Stadium. Les Bleus are in Group I alongside Norway and Iraq, as well as Senegal, this summer.
Winners in 2018 and runners-up four years ago, Les Bleus will renew their acquaranga e with Senegal, who they faced 24 years ago in their opening game. The Teranga Lions won 1-0 in that fateful clash in Seoul, their first ever game in the World Cup, thanks to a goal from Papa Bouba Diop. Current Senegal boss Pape Thiaw was in the squad for that game and will look to motivate his players to repeat the feat.
France lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in a friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup but will remain confident that they can handle business in New Jersey. The presence of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and others will give Didier Deschamps the confidence ahead of the game.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen