Ayyoub Bouaddi: Moroccan Youngster joins Pele in Stellar Record, Shares Birthday with Mahatma Gandhi

Morocco's remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign has produced another unforgettable moment, with teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi continuing his meteoric rise on football's biggest stage.

The 18-year-old has become one of the breakout stars of the tournament, earning widespread praise and as he plays against France in the quarterfinal, the teenage sensation has created a huge record.

Ayyoub Bouaddi creates World Cup Record

As he was named in the starting lineup, Bouaddi has made FIFA World Cup history. At 18 years and 280 days, the Moroccan has become the second-youngest player ever to feature in a World Cup quarter-final. Only Brazilian legend Pelé achieved the feat at a younger age, playing against Wales in the 1958 quarter-finals at 17 years and 239 days before leading Brazil to their first world title. At the age, the Moroccan has also become the youngest African to play in 5 matches of the World Cup.

Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?

Born on October 2, 2007 in France, Ayyoub Bouaddi began his football journey with AFC Creil before joining Lille's academy in 2021. He signed his first professional contract in 2023 and announced himself to European football by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a European club competition when he made his Lille debut at just 16 years and three days.

He also became Lille's youngest-ever player and one of the youngest footballers to appear in Ligue 1. Bouaddi continued to impress in the 2024-25 season, producing eye-catching performances in the UEFA Champions League, including against Real Madrid on his 17th birthday.

Although he represented France at various youth levels, the gifted midfielder chose to play for Morocco at senior level and has rapidly become a vital part of the Atlas Lions' new generation. Still only 18, Bouaddi is already breaking age-related records at both club and international level, and the latest one puts him in the same bracket with Pele.