Olivier Giroud smiled after scoring in Lille’s win over Angers, but his expression changed when the conversation turned to Ayyoub Bouaddi. The victory over Angers marked Ligue 1’s return from the international break, and Giroud was once again on the scoresheet. Yet the match will be remembered less for the result and more for the departure it confirmed. Bouaddi was missing from the squad list, his absence explained by a transfer agreement reached that same morning with Manchester City.
A smile turned solemn as Giroud’s goal was overshadowed by Bouaddi’s shock departure to Manchester City.
For Lille, losing Bouaddi means losing far more than a promising midfielder. Born in 2007 to a Franco-Moroccan family, he has long been regarded as one of the club’s brightest talents, tracked closely by several major European sides before City moved decisively. His departure closes a chapter that began when he made his professional debut at just 16 years and three days old, becoming the youngest player in LOSC history to do so, surpassing a record held by Joël Henry. Beyond his exploits at club level, Bouaddi has also emerged as a key part of the Atlas Lions setup, reflecting his growing importance to Morocco’s national team. Like many of his international teammates, his path reflects the influence of Morocco’s diaspora, which has shaped much of the current national squad’s identity and depth.
Lille had shown their faith by extending his contract to 2029 only months earlier.
Speaking after the match, Giroud did not hide his feelings. “On va perdre un super jeune, un super joueur évidemment mais surtout une belle personne,” he said, adding that Bouaddi would be missed and wishing him well for the next stage of his career. The France international, the country’s all-time leading scorer, described his young teammate as “un jeune joueur formidable, joueur remarquable, mais avant tout être humain formidable.”
Giroud also referenced a farewell speech Bouaddi gave in the dressing room, calling it “très émouvant.” He suggested that the win over Angers carried extra meaning, saying the team celebrated it partly for Bouaddi himself, treating the result as a collective send-off.
Teammates have echoed similar sentiments about his ability. Thomas Meunier previously called his performances “énormes,” describing him as unique in his style of play. As Bouaddi prepares for a new challenge in England, Giroud’s words serve as both farewell and endorsement, a reminder that his impact at Lille went beyond the pitch.
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