After choosing Morocco… Bouadi’s unexpected message to France causes controversy.

In his first official statement since being named in Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad, young midfielder Ayoub Bouadi revealed his conflicted feelings between pride in representing Morocco and gratitude to France in an emotional message on his X platform on Tuesday night.

A dream come true

Bouadi, 21, began his message by expressing his extreme pride in wearing the Atlas Lions shirt at the biggest international football forum, saying: “I am proud to represent Morocco in the biggest tournaments.

But the promising player quickly added another dimension to his statement, stressing that reaching the World Cup is not the end, but “the beginning of a new phase that requires more work, discipline and responsibility” in recognition of the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

A promise to sacrifice and give

Bouadi emphasized that he is fully aware of the amount of privilege he enjoys to defend the colors of the Kingdom of Morocco, promising to do his best;

I will never forget France

In the most controversial part of his letter, Bouadi did not hesitate to talk about his past with the French national team in the age groups, a bold admission that players rarely dare to make in public.

He said with remarkable sincerity. “I am also thinking about France. My choice of Morocco does not negate my pride and gratitude for representing his jersey in the youth categories,” a statement that could provoke mixed reactions among fans on both sides of the Mediterranean.

Pride, not struggle

Bouadi refused to see his dual identity as a conflict or contradiction, but considered it a source of pride and pride, stressing:

The player concluded his statement by thanking everyone who sent him messages of support and help after the list was published, saying: “Thanks to everyone for the messages of support.”

An invitation to the masses

Bouadi concluded his message with enthusiastic words to the fans of the Moroccan national team, urging them to stand behind the team on their journey to the World Cup;

Fire brigade

Notably, the 2026 World Cup draw sees Morocco in Group 3 with South American giants Brazil, alongside Scotland and Haiti, in what is considered to be one of the tournament’s toughest groups.

Morocco will begin their World Cup campaign next June 13 with a thrilling clash against Brazil at New York’s MetLife Stadium in an early test of the ambitions of the Atlas Lions and the new generation Bouadi has introduced.