Ayyoub Bouaddi has officially begun his new adventure with Manchester City. Upon his introduction, the 18-year-old Moroccan midfielder received a clear and reassuring message from manager Enzo Maresca: he does not need to prove anything to anyone.
Maresca Lifts the Pressure
Bouaddi was personally introduced to his new teammates by Maresca. The Italian coach made it immediately clear that Manchester City has absolute faith in the young midfielder's abilities.
“You are only 18 years old. The most important thing we want to tell you is that you have nothing to prove to anyone here. We already know how good you are,” Maresca stated.
The manager further emphasized that Bouaddi must be given the necessary time to adapt to his new surroundings.
“We need to help you every step of the way. Above all, just stay yourself—that is the most important thing.”
Through these words, Maresca is aiming to manage expectations surrounding the young Moroccan international right from the start.
‘Work, Learn, and Enjoy’
Maresca also gave Bouaddi a clear mission for his initial period in Manchester. According to his manager, the midfielder should focus primarily on working hard, continuing to learn, and enjoying his new environment.
This message aligns with how Manchester City has framed Bouaddi's arrival. The club highlights that despite his tender age, the player has already carved out an impressive path, though his development is still very much ongoing.
“This is the journey we all dreamed of as kids,” Maresca added during Bouaddi's introduction.
From Lille to Manchester
Bouaddi made his senior debut for Lille in 2023, shortly after celebrating his sixteenth birthday, making him the youngest player in the French club's history.
He later broke Eden Hazard's record by making his fiftieth Ligue 1 appearance at just 18 years of age.
Manchester City secured the Moroccan international this summer on a five-year deal. The club views him as a midfielder with immense potential, pointing specifically to his high football IQ and rapid early development.
Also Important for Morocco
Earlier this year, Bouaddi committed his international future to the Moroccan national team, quickly establishing himself as an important part of the squad.
During the 2026 World Cup, he featured for the Atlas Lions and made a strong impression on the international stage. Manchester City also highlighted his performances at the tournament during his unveiling.
At his new club, the immediate focus remains on development. Maresca previously noted that there is no rush with the 18-year-old midfielder. “No rush for him,” the manager said. According to Maresca, Bouaddi must be given time to adapt to a new country and a new league.
A New Chapter
Bouaddi is thus embarking on an important next step in his career. At Manchester City, he has the opportunity to develop further under Maresca, while the club actively works to shield him from the heavy expectations that often accompany such a high-profile transfer.
For now, the message from Manchester is crystal clear: Bouaddi does not need to prove himself straight away. He simply needs to work, learn, and stay true to himself.