Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, extended his congratulations to Moroccan youngster Ayoub Bouaddi following his remarkable achievement at the 2026 World Cup. Bouaddi made history by becoming one of the youngest players to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament, evoking memories of the legendary Brazilian player Pelé.
Infantino highlighted Bouaddi’s impressive performance during the tournament, particularly in the quarterfinal match against France. In a video shared on his official Instagram account, he juxtaposed scenes of Bouaddi with archival footage of Pelé, emphasizing that the Moroccan had etched his name into World Cup history.
In his message, Infantino stated, “Ayoub Bouaddi made history in his match against France in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, becoming the youngest player to participate in this stage since the legendary Pelé.” He proceeded to congratulate Bouaddi on this significant accomplishment.
This record evokes Pelé’s iconic performance in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where he played in the quarterfinals for Brazil against Wales at just 17 years and 239 days old, marking a pivotal moment in his legendary career. In contrast, Bouaddi reached the same stage at the age of 18 years and 280 days, positioning himself among the youngest players to achieve this feat and adding his name to a legacy of talents that have left an indelible mark on the global competition.
With Infantino’s acknowledgment, Bouaddi’s achievement gains further significance, as it connects him to one of the most prestigious milestones in World Cup history, underscoring the burgeoning presence of Moroccan talent on the world’s biggest football stage.
