Profile: Ayyoub Bouaddi, Lille's 17-year-old Prodigy
One To Watch
After making his Champions League debut with Lille on his 17th birthday, Ayyoub Bouaddi is becoming a key midfielder for les dogues.
It's not every day that you get to make your UEFA Champions League debut against Real Madrid, let alone on the evening of your 17th Birthday. It was a scenario that became reality for Lille's new gem in midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi, who dominated against the undisputed kings of Europe's premiere competition with calmness, discipline, and an assured technical ability. This wasn't just against any old midfield opposition, he seemingly did it with ease against a trio of Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouamémi and Eduardo Camavinga.
The LOSC academy graduate announced his arrival on the biggest stage in style, whilst Lille would clinch a historic victory against Los Blancos (1-0) thanks to Jonathan David's penalty just before half-time. A key architect of Lille’s stunning achievement, Bouaddi extended his incredible birthday celebration by leading the entire Stade Pierre-Mauroy into song.
"He was destined for success, like Raphaël Varane."
“He demonstrated all the potential, all the talent he has," said manager Bruno Génésio following the victory. "We know what he’s capable of. He’s a boy with a very good head on his shoulders. He has the talent to play at this level. He needs to keep proving himself, but I don’t think there’s too much to worry about with him.”
After joining the famous LOSC academy in 2021, Bouaddi made his senior debut with Les Dogues in the UEFA Conference League against Faroese side KÍ - becoming the youngest player to play in the competition and to ever represent Lille at the age of 16 years and three days. Since then he has gradually been given more minutes for the side from Northern France, and his stock is rising quickly.
"Ayyoub was an obvious choice: tall, at ease in midfield, with great technique and an eye for the game (...) He was destined for success, a bit like Raphaël Varane" said one of his former coaches, Georges Tournay, in a recent interview with L'Équipe. In all of his youth football experience, he would move up through the academy and play with older generations. He's now showing his class with Lille's senior side.
Lille's next big prospect...
Looking like a big presence in midfield already, the 17-year-old is constantly involved in possession and isn't afraid to demand the ball. He can progress the ball and also has a great sense of positioning - he's clearly a player with high potential. Whilst he took advantage of Angel Gomes' unavailability in the Champions League, he is now staking a claim in Ligue 1 for a spot next to Benjamin André. The club that produced the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Eden Hazard, and Yves Bissouma seems to have another midfield gem on their hands.
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