The former star of “Barcelona”.

Former France international Samuel Umtiti believes young player Ayoub Bouadi’s decision to represent Morocco instead of France was “purely a personal decision that comes from the heart” and had nothing to do with negligence by the French Football Federation.

Umtiti said in a statement to the “After the Leg” radio show“RMC” French. “I am sure that this issue is not related to the French Football Federation. The player is the one who has to make his decision and this is a choice that comes primarily from the heart. We must respect this choice.”

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A former Barcelona player who knows Waadi well added: “My personal knowledge of him leads me to confirm that he chose from the heart. Even if he played for France’s youth teams, in the end the heart must speak. It was not the French Federation that made a mistake, but Ayub made his decision from the heart, and that should be respected.”

Bouadi caught the eye with his brilliant performances for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, whether in the 1-1 draw with Brazil or the 1-0 win over Scotland, and media reports have linked him with a move to Real Madrid this summer.

The Atlas Lions are currently set to play their final group stage match against Haiti next Wednesday night EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.