Ayyoub Bouaddi is a French-born Morocco international midfielder whose rapid rise from Lille’s academy has taken him to Manchester City. City confirmed his five-year contract on 26 August 2026, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, subject to international clearance. The move followed a standout World Cup with Morocco and three senior seasons in France.
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi? Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old midfielder born in Senlis, France, who represents Morocco through his parents’ nationality. He developed at AFC Creil and Lille, became a senior professional at 16, impressed at the 2026 World Cup and joined Manchester City on a five-year contract in August 2026.
Manchester City confirms Bouaddi’s transfer
Manchester City said Bouaddi joined from Lille after making 96 senior appearances and winning eight Morocco caps. The club did not publish a transfer fee. The Guardian reported a guaranteed €95 million plus €5 million in possible add-ons, so the widely reported €100 million figure should be understood as a potential total rather than an official club disclosure.
Bouaddi will wear number 32, the number he used at Lille. In his first City statement, he called the transfer a dream and said he wanted to continue improving rather than treating the move as proof that his development was complete.
The signing also brings another young African international midfielder into Manchester’s spotlight shortly after XTRAfrica covered Carlos Baleba’s rise and transfer story. Bouaddi’s route is different: he was born and developed in France before choosing to represent his parents’ country, Morocco.
From Senlis and Creil to Lille’s first team
Bouaddi was born on 2 October 2007 in Senlis, in France’s Oise department. His former club’s official player profile lists his birthplace, date of birth, 1.86-metre height and early clubs as AFC Creil and Lille.
He began playing at Creil from the under-six level and entered Lille’s academy in 2021. Lille gave him his first professional contract in August 2023, when he was 15 and a half. He then made his senior debut three days after turning 16, becoming Lille’s youngest first-team player and the youngest footballer to appear in a European club competition at the time.
His first Champions League start came against Real Madrid on his 17th birthday. Lille won 1–0, turning a significant personal date into the match that announced him to a much wider audience.
BIOGRAPHY
Ayyoub Bouaddi Biography: Age, Parents and Man City Move
Aug 26, 2026
Aug 26, 2026
7 min read
Published
Updated:
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a French-born Morocco international midfielder whose rapid rise from Lille’s academy has taken him to Manchester City. City confirmed his five-year contract on 26 August 2026, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, subject to international clearance. The move followed a standout World Cup with Morocco and three senior seasons in France.
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi? Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old midfielder born in Senlis, France, who represents Morocco through his parents’ nationality. He developed at AFC Creil and Lille, became a senior professional at 16, impressed at the 2026 World Cup and joined Manchester City on a five-year contract in August 2026.
Manchester City confirms Bouaddi’s transfer
Manchester City said Bouaddi joined from Lille after making 96 senior appearances and winning eight Morocco caps. The club did not publish a transfer fee. The Guardian reported a guaranteed €95 million plus €5 million in possible add-ons, so the widely reported €100 million figure should be understood as a potential total rather than an official club disclosure.
Bouaddi will wear number 32, the number he used at Lille. In his first City statement, he called the transfer a dream and said he wanted to continue improving rather than treating the move as proof that his development was complete.
The signing also brings another young African international midfielder into Manchester’s spotlight shortly after XTRAfrica covered Carlos Baleba’s rise and transfer story. Bouaddi’s route is different: he was born and developed in France before choosing to represent his parents’ country, Morocco.
From Senlis and Creil to Lille’s first team
Bouaddi was born on 2 October 2007 in Senlis, in France’s Oise department. His former club’s official player profile lists his birthplace, date of birth, 1.86-metre height and early clubs as AFC Creil and Lille.
He began playing at Creil from the under-six level and entered Lille’s academy in 2021. Lille gave him his first professional contract in August 2023, when he was 15 and a half. He then made his senior debut three days after turning 16, becoming Lille’s youngest first-team player and the youngest footballer to appear in a European club competition at the time.
His first Champions League start came against Real Madrid on his 17th birthday. Lille won 1–0, turning a significant personal date into the match that announced him to a much wider audience.
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A footballer studying mathematics
Bouaddi’s story has attracted interest beyond football because his education continued alongside his professional career. A FIFA profile reported that he completed his baccalaureate at 16, won a public-speaking competition and began studying for a mathematics degree.
Manchester City’s background profile says he completed a science-focused high-school diploma one year early. It also identifies his father, Hassan Bouaddi, as a former handball player who served as deputy mayor in Creil.
Those details help explain why Bouaddi is often described as unusually composed. On the field he mainly operates as a holding midfielder, receiving the ball under pressure and linking defence with attack, although he has also played further forward and at right-back.
Why Bouaddi chose Morocco over France
Bouaddi represented France at youth and under-21 levels before committing his senior international future to Morocco. He was eligible through his Moroccan parents and publicly confirmed his decision in May 2026.
In a report based on his federation interview, Bouaddi said he was proud to represent Morocco and described the decision as a relief after months of attention from both countries.
He soon became important to the Atlas Lions. FIFA highlighted his calm performance against Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, where he helped control midfield against far more experienced opponents. Morocco reached the quarter-finals, and City’s announcement recorded eight senior international appearances by the time of his transfer.
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His parents, relationship status and children
Bouaddi publicly credits his parents and wider family for keeping him grounded. In his first Manchester City interview, he said their support and values were essential to his progress.
Reliable public sources identify his father as Hassan Bouaddi, but they do not establish a current marriage, publicly confirmed partner or children. At 18, his private life should not be filled with assumptions simply because transfer interest has increased searches around his name.
Personal & Family Status | Details |
Marital status | Not publicly confirmed as of August 2026 |
Spouse or partner | Not publicly confirmed as of August 2026 |
Children | Not publicly confirmed as of August 2026 |
Ayyoub Bouaddi career timeline
Year | Event | Significance |
2021 | Joined Lille’s academy from AFC Creil | Entered an elite development system at 14 |
2023 | Signed his first professional Lille contract | Became a professional at 15 and a half |
2023 | Made his senior debut at 16 | Set major Lille and European age records |
2024 | Helped Lille defeat Real Madrid on his 17th birthday | Delivered his first major Champions League statement |
2026 | Chose Morocco and played at the World Cup | Established his African international identity on a global stage |
2026 | Joined Manchester City on a five-year deal | Began the highest-profile chapter of his club career |
What comes next at Manchester City
Bouaddi arrives with a large reported price attached to a still-developing player. City’s official statement emphasizes potential, intelligence and versatility rather than promising an immediate starting role. His first challenge will be adapting from Ligue 1 to the pace and scrutiny of the Premier League while continuing his international development with Morocco.
His long-term value will depend on playing time, tactical fit and improvement not the transfer figure alone. What is already clear is that his move has turned a highly regarded World Cup teenager into one of Africa’s most closely watched young footballers.
Ayyoub Bouaddi FAQs
How old is Ayyoub Bouaddi?
He is 18 as of 26 August 2026. He was born on 2 October 2007.
Where was Ayyoub Bouaddi born?
He was born in Senlis, France, and grew up playing football in nearby Creil.
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Which country does Ayyoub Bouaddi represent?
He represents Morocco at senior international level after previously playing for France’s youth teams.
Who are Ayyoub Bouaddi’s parents?
Manchester City identifies his father as Hassan Bouaddi, a former handball player and former deputy mayor of Creil. His parents are Moroccan.
What position does Ayyoub Bouaddi play?
He mainly plays as a central or holding midfielder but has also operated further forward and at right-back.
How much did Manchester City pay for Bouaddi?
Manchester City did not disclose the fee. Credible reporting places the deal at €95 million plus up to €5 million in add-ons.
Is Ayyoub Bouaddi married?
His marital status was not publicly confirmed by reliable sources as of August 2026.
Does Ayyoub Bouaddi have children?
Reliable public sources had not confirmed whether he has children as of August 2026.
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