Ayyoub Bouaddi has fond memories of his first World Cup with the Atlas Lions. For the Manchester City midfielder, the tournament was unlike anything he had experienced in the Champions League. His connection to the national team jersey, the passion of Moroccan fans and the pride of representing an entire nation made it a unique experience.
Bouaddi spoke about his experience with the Atlas Lions at the 2026 tournament during an appearance on Uncut, the flagship series produced by the Premier League and EA SPORTS FC, now in its eighth season.
Asked what playing at the World Cup meant to him and his family, the young midfielder spoke openly about his emotions. “I was really proud to play for Morocco. I have played in the Champions League with Lille, and now with Manchester City,” he said.
“These are extraordinary competitions, but the World Cup is different. When I played at the World Cup with Morocco, I felt something unique. The smiles, the love and the pride of an entire people... It was the best experience of my life,” he added.
Bouaddi also made no secret of his desire to represent Morocco again at the 2030 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
“Of course, I would love to take part in this competition again with Morocco. I simply want to make the Moroccan people proud of us, of the whole team, and give them even a small part of everything they have given us. Because we can never repay them for everything they have given us. It is far too much,” he said.
Bouaddi made his World Cup debut with the Atlas Lions at the 2026 edition. The Moroccan midfielder featured in five matches, against Brazil, Scotland, the Netherlands, Canada and France.
