Rabat – Former France international Adil Rami has shared advice in a video with French news outlet L1+ for the young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who faces a difficult decision over his international future between Morocco and France.
Bouaddi, one of the most promising young talents emerging in European football, is eligible to represent both countries. His situation has sparked discussion in recent months as fans and observers wait to see which national team he will ultimately choose.
Rami, who won the 2018 World Cup with France and also faced the same dilemma earlier in his career, said he understands how complicated such a decision can be for a young player.
“Very few players have the chance to choose between two big national teams,” Rami said. “France is one of the biggest teams in the world, and Morocco is also becoming one of the strongest national teams in international football.”
The former defender said the situation reminded him of his own experience when he had to decide which country to represent.
“I remember when I went through the same thing,” he explained. “My message to Ayyoub Bouaddi is simple: you have the chance to choose between two great teams.”
🇨🇵🇲🇦 Le joli message d’Adil Rami à Ayyoub Bouaddi dans Le Club Ligue 1+ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hFdtwOnIv7
— L1+ (@ligue1plus) March 15, 2026
‘Not easy’
Rami believes that outside pressure should not influence players’ final choice when facing such a dilemma. Instead, he argues, players should listen to their instincts and personal feelings.
“What matters is not the pressure from people or the media, but your heart,” he said. “It is like choosing between your father and your mother, Morocco or France.”
Rami advised the young midfielder to think about where he feels the strongest connection before making his decision.
“Choose the place where you feel happy and proud,” he added. “And once you decide, give everything for that shirt.”
Morocco has become an increasingly attractive option for dual-nationality players in recent years, especially after the national team’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
France, meanwhile, remains one of the strongest and most competitive squads in world football.
Rami acknowledged that this makes Bouaddi’s decision even more complicated.
“Choosing between Morocco and France is not easy,” he said, “Morocco today is one of the strongest teams in the world. I just wish you the best in whatever choice you make.”
For now, Bouaddi has not announced his final decision, but the debate around his international future continues to grow.
