Bouaddi impresses on first start - have Man City found 'a gem'?
September 8, 2026 22:09
Ayyoub Bouaddi produced a composed midfield display on his first Manchester City start as City beat Porto 2-0 in the Champions League. Erling Haaland scored both goals, but the 18-year-old midfielder drew attention for his control and all-round contribution.
KEY CONTEXT
City spent £86m to sign Bouaddi from Lille, a fee that made him the most expensive teenager in Premier League history. The Morocco international featured at this summer's World Cup and had made two substitute appearances for City before being handed a first start in Portugal. At 18 years and 341 days he became the fourth-youngest player to start a Champions League match for the club.
PERFORMANCE, STATS AND PRAISE
Bouaddi completed 54 of 55 passes and led both sides in several attacking and defensive metrics: most dribbles (4), most times possession won (7) and most duels contested (13). Manager Enzo Maresca praised him after the match, saying: "He is very good... He speaks French, English, Spanish perfect. He is different in how mature he is. This is why the club has made the effort for him to be with us." Fellow player Haaland described him as "a gem" and added that Bouaddi had been "amazing" in training.
BBC Sport reported City's interest in Bouaddi in June and said signing him and then loaning him back to Lille for a season was not on the agenda. Two years earlier Bouaddi had earned a standing ovation from Lille supporters after helping his side to a surprise group-stage win over holders Real Madrid.
Source: BBC Sport Football