Rabat – The fight for Bouaddi’s international future is getting intense, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is actively working to convince the 18-year-old to represent the Atlas Lions. However, France sees Bouaddi as a player who fits perfectly into their long-term plans.
Bouaddi, a midfielder for LOSC Lille, has impressed in Ligue 1 this season. Despite his rise, the player is in no rush for his first cap.
In a recent interview, Bouaddi stated that nothing is confirmed yet. He added that choosing a national team was a defining moment in a player’s career, one that deserves taking one’s time and thinking deeply about it, rather than a rushed decision.
He also denied the notion of giving himself a deadline before the World Cup to make up his mind.
For Bouaddi, it’s not about timing; it’s about feelings. He also wants to take into account the opinion of those close to him, especially family and friends.
Based on reports, Bouaddi is closely following developments in the French national team, especially the future of the current head coach, Didier Deschamps. With uncertainty surrounding Deschamps’ position, the midfielder is said to be patiently waiting for more clarity before making his choice.
One of the strongest candidates to replace Deschamps is Zinedine Zidane, and Spanish newspaper AS reported today that the former Real Madrid coach has given his approval to take over after the World Cup.
The arrival of Zidane could shift the dynamics significantly. Bouaddi has previously expressed admiration for the former Real Madrid coach, who is known to have followed the player’s development and spoken positively about his qualities. So far, Bouaddi hasn’t been handed a real chance to prove himself in the senior French team under Deschamps’ spell, even though he’s been one of Lille’s most in-form players. A change at the Blues might be the opportunity that he has been waiting for.
For now, Morocco is not willing to loosen its grip on him. Nevertheless, it seems that Bouaddi has made up his mind to wait a little longer, or at least until there’s more clarity about what is to come.
