Tottenham join race for Moroccan wonderkid after World Cup debut

June 15, 2026 - 18:39

Saturday afternoon marked a coming-out party for one of football's rising stars. The 2026 FIFA World Cup saw Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi make his tournament debut, playing a key role in his team's draw against powerhouse Brazil. But the performance was more than just a first appearance. It proved the teenager can compete at the highest level against some of the world's best players.

That showing has only strengthened the interest clubs already had in Bouaddi after his impressive season with Lille in Ligue 1. Last campaign, he won 49 tackles and recorded 33 interceptions for the French side, numbers that turned heads across Europe. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Paris-Saint Germain have all been tracking the 18-year-old.

Now, according to a recent report, another English club has entered the chase. Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for the Moroccan wonder kid, looking to add his energy and defensive instincts to their midfield. With his World Cup debut now on his resume, the battle for Bouaddi's signature is only expected to heat up as the transfer window approaches.