The 18-year-old midfielder joins from French side Lille on a deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2031.
Bouaddi joins as one of the most exciting young players in world football having made 96 appearances for Lille and won eight international caps already.
He made his senior debut for the Ligue 1 Club in the UEFA Conference League just three days after his 16th birthday before establishing himself as a regular in the side over the following two seasons.
Bouaddi represented France at youth and Under-21 level, before switching to play for Morocco, the nationality of his parents, and starred for the Atlas Lions at this summer’s World Cup.
The elegant, ball-playing midfielder now begins his next chapter with City and he is excited for the new challenge.
On joining Manchester City, Bouaddi said: “This is a very special day for me and my family.
“Manchester City are, for me, the best Club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.
“I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this Club feels like it’s built to win.
“The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.
“I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.
“This Club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title.”
Director of Football Hugo Viana added: “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.
“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of Enzo.
“We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.
“We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.”
Everyone at Manchester City would like to welcome Ayyoub to the Club and wish him all the best during his time here.
Star in the making
Bouaddi was identified as one to watch at the World Cup by many experts before the tournament had even started and he didn’t disappoint, setting the standard right from Morocco’s daunting opener against Brazil.
An eye-catching display of confidence and composure at the base of midfield saw him able to see plenty of possession and dictate the game against an experienced Selecao trio of Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta.
He was at the heart of a dominating performance that saw Morocco have almost 70% of possession in the first half with Bouaddi having a pass success rate of 91%, completing all 16 passes in the final third, while making six ball recoveries, five interceptions and winning nine duels.
The teenager took that superb start into the rest of the tournament as Morocco reached the quarter-finals before exiting to France.
But while it announced Bouaddi to a fresh army of admirers, plenty had seen his quality at Lille and were excited about his huge potential.
Forward-thinking and strong on the ball, he generated excitement at being the latest star to come through one of Europe’s leading Academies at Lille.
After breaking into the team at 16, he became a central figure in the French club’s midfield and helped them to a third-placed finish and return to the Champions League last season.
Moving to City and under the guidance of Maresca and his coaches, he will look to elevate his game to a whole new level.
Season-by-season stats
Lille
2023/24 – 18 appearances
2024/25 – 36 appearances
2025/26 – 42 appearances
Morocco
2025/26 – 8 appearances
