Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi etched his name into football record books on Thursday night, becoming the second-youngest player ever to feature in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final match. However, the teenage sensation’s historic milestone ended in heartbreak as a clinical France side defeated Morocco 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals.

Ayyoub Bouaddi had the talent to lead France's midfield for the next generation, but he decided he didn't want to wait for his chance.

Discover the top four contenders for the FIFA Young Player Award at the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, including Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Spain's Lamin