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World Cup: France faces Morocco and its 'lost treasure' Bouaddi in quarterfinals

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Morocco will face France in the World Cup quarterfinals, a rematch of their semifinal clash from the previous tournament.
  • Morocco's squad features many players born in France, including 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who previously captained France's U21 team but switched allegiance to Morocco.
  • French football officials expressed regret over Bouaddi's transfer, calling him a

Morocco's surprising World Cup run continues as they prepare to face France in the quarterfinals, a rematch of their semifinal encounter from the previous tournament. The African side, built largely on players with French origins, will confront a former "lost treasure" in 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Bouaddi's story is one of a dramatic international switch. Just three months before the World Cup, he captained France's U21 team. Now, he has the opportunity to help Morocco eliminate France on the world stage.

We have of course always followed his performance. But the competition is very fierce, and ultimately it will be his own choice.

— Didier DeschampsWhen asked about Ayyoub Bouaddi's situation before the World Cup.

French national team coach Didier Deschamps had previously acknowledged monitoring Bouaddi's performance but indicated that the competition for a spot was fierce and the decision ultimately rested with the player. Following this, Bouaddi did not join the senior squad but remained with the U21 team.

Bouaddi is a genius player we have followed for many years. There is no second Bouaddi at his age. For the French Football Federation, his transfer is a major loss, but it is his personal choice.

— Hubert FournierSpeaking to The Athletic about Bouaddi's decision to play for Morocco.

Hubert Fournier, technical director of the French Football Federation, admitted to The Athletic that Bouaddi is a "genius player" they have watched for years. He described Bouaddi's transfer as a "major loss" for the French Football Federation, emphasizing that it was the player's personal choice. Fournier explained that while Bouaddi knew he was on the senior team's extended watch list, France could not guarantee him immediate participation in the World Cup.

This situation led L'Équipe to label the talented player "The Lost Treasure." Morocco's squad, often referred to as a "diaspora army," has a history of success built on players born abroad. In their Round of 16 victory, 10 out of 11 starters were born overseas. Even head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who has no professional playing background and transitioned from teaching, was born and raised in Belgium.

He knew he was on the extended watch list for the senior team, but we could not offer him immediate participation in the World Cup.

— Hubert FournierExplaining why Bouaddi was not called up to the French senior team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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