Specialized football website Transfermarkt has released its latest ranking of the world’s most valuable players aged 18 or younger, with Ayyoub Bouaddi comfortably leading the list.
The Lille midfielder’s market value has risen by €30 million following an outstanding 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Transfermarkt’s estimates, it now stands at €80 million.
Germany’s Lennart Karl of Bayern Munich ranks second with an estimated market value of €60 million, while Argentina’s Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid completes the top three at €45 million.
At just 18 years old, Bouaddi is reaping the rewards of an impressive 2026 World Cup campaign. His composure, maturity and technical quality allowed him to establish himself as an undisputed starter. Having started five of Morocco’s six matches, he became a key figure in Mohamed Ouahbi’s system.
Since returning to Lille, his future has attracted growing interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. Already linked with Real Madrid and Arsenal, the Moroccan youngster is reportedly a prime target for Manchester City.
According to The Guardian, the English club is prepared to pay €100 million to secure the services of the Moroccan prodigy.
Ayyoub Bouaddi. DR
Lille president Olivier Létang is keen to keep Bouaddi at the club for as long as possible and is reportedly unwilling to negotiate his departure. But whether he could realistically resist a nine-figure offer of that magnitude remains to be seen.
