A promising generation... two Moroccan names in the race for Europe's best young talent

Italian outlet Tuttosport has included young players Ayoub Bouaddi and Ait Boudlal on the long list of the top 100 young players nominated for the 2026 "Golden Boy" award, one of the most prestigious annual awards recognising the best young talents in European football.

Bouaddi (18), of Moroccan descent, plays in midfield for Lille OSC, where he has emerged as one of the standout breakthrough talents in French football despite his young age.

Ait Boudlal plays in defence within Morocco's promising football pool, and is seen as one of the names who could shape the future of the Moroccan defence in the coming years.

The Golden Boy award is one of the most closely followed honours for spotting young talent, having previously recognised players who went on to become global stars. The presence of two Morocco-linked profiles on this year's long list reflects the growing interest in Moroccan talent across European football.