Deschamps quits the Blues, Bouaddi's refusal fuels anger

In the French camp locker room, the atmosphere was heavy when Didier Deschamps announced his departure at the end of the 2026 World Cup, after fourteen years at the helm of the French national team. The same day, he confirmed that he had not selected Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 19‑year‑old midfielder who has since chosen to represent Morocco for the World Cup.

A controversial decision

"He has that freedom to choose (between France and Morocco). I haven't spoken with him, that's not how I operate," Deschamps said during the March gathering. He added that competition within the French team was very strong and that the decision would be up to Bouaddi in May.

Contradictory evaluations

Hubert Fournier, national technical director, had described Bouaddi as a "unique talent", but Deschamps considered the player "not yet quite ready" for the demands of a World Cup final stage. The staff therefore preferred to rely on proven assets, despite Bouaddi's ten caps with the French U‑21 side.

Reactions and prospects

Deschamps' choice sparked the anger of a French supporter, who wrote on X: "I will never forgive Didier Deschamps". In contrast, the new manager, Zinedine Zidane, appears to admire Bouaddi's profile and, with his three‑midfielder system, could offer him a place in the upcoming squad.

While Bouaddi shines with Morocco, notably in the 1‑1 draw against Mali in Tangier, Deschamps' decision remains hard to accept for part of the French public, who see him as a future midfield pillar.