Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi remains firm in his commitment to the Atlas Lions following their World Cup exit against France. Although Les Bleus secured a 2-0 victory on Thursday to advance to the semi-finals, the 18-year-old Lille player holds no animosity toward his choice.
Bouaddi, who once captained the French Under-21 team, shifted his international allegiance to Morocco in May. Despite losing to his country of birth, he described his move as a decision driven by his heart. He emphasized that he remains deeply proud to wear the Moroccan jersey, stating that the team will continue to offer their full dedication regardless of the scoreline.
Reflecting on the match, Bouaddi acknowledged the intensity of facing such a strong French side. He noted that while the squad is disappointed by the loss, they gave their absolute best. He views this defeat as a learning opportunity, highlighting that focusing on minor details will be essential for future tournament success. Morocco’s journey ends with a historic record, as they are the first African nation to secure back-to-back quarter-final appearances.