Giroud: Bouaddi can land at Real Madrid if he sharpens fini…
Giroud: Bouaddi’s finishing holds key to Real Madrid dream
Lille’s Olivier Giroud puts the finishing spotlight on Ayyoub Bouaddi—vision and passing are already elite, but Madrid won’t bite without the killer touch.
Olivier Giroud has publicly predicted that Lille teammate Ayyoub Bouaddi can join Real Madrid next season—provided he fixes his finishing. Giroud, the veteran striker and 2018 World Cup winner, made the claim after Bouaddi’s standout displays in Ligue 1 this season. The 21-year-old Moroccan midfielder has drawn plaudits for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate play from deep positions.
Lille’s Ligue 1 campaign has kept Bouaddi in the spotlight, with his performances earning comparisons to Morocco’s 2022 World Cup squad. His assist tally of 8 in 32 league games underscores his playmaking influence, ranking among the top five midfielders in the division for creative output. Bouaddi’s progressive passing completion rate of 87% in Ligue 1 trails only a handful of midfielders, including Real Madrid’s own Kroos and Camavinga.
Real Madrid have been monitoring Bouaddi’s progress for months, according to multiple reports. The Spanish giants have a history of integrating young talent into their midfield, and Bouaddi’s technical profile aligns with their recruitment strategy. However, Giroud’s endorsement underscores a critical gap: finishing.
The Moroccan’s conversion rate of just 12% on shots inside the box—below the 18% league average for midfielders—highlights a clear deficiency. This shortfall is magnified by Madrid’s preference for midfielders who can contribute goals, not just assists. 08) sits well below the league median for attacking midfielders, signaling a need for sharper decision-making in the box.
The tactical fit at Real Madrid further complicates Bouaddi’s path. Carlo Ancelotti’s system often relies on a single pivot who provides both defensive cover and progressive passing. Bouaddi’s best performances come in box-to-box roles, where his dynamism and pressing intensity shine.
But in a midfield stacked with Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Eduardo Camavinga, the Frenchman would need to carve out a distinct role—one that demands a more clinical edge in the final third. 4 times per 90 minutes—rank in the top 10% of Ligue 1 midfielders, but his defensive contribution alone won’t justify a €60m+ valuation. Giroud’s comments arrived during a post-match interview following Lille’s 2-1 win over Lyon on May 4, 2025.
“Ayyoub has everything to succeed at the highest level,” Giroud said. “But if he wants to play for Real Madrid, he needs to score more goals. ” The veteran’s assessment carries weight given his own transition from a goalscoring forward to a playmaking role later in his career.
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca added context: “Ayyoub’s biggest challenge isn’t his talent—it’s consistency. He can dominate a game one week and disappear the next. ” What’s next: Bouaddi will face Ligue 1’s toughest defensive sides in the final three matchdays, including a clash with PSG on May 18.
A strong finish could accelerate Madrid’s decision. The club’s sporting director, José Santiago Cañizares, is expected to scout Bouaddi’s next two games before deciding on a formal approach. If Bouaddi delivers, Madrid may accelerate talks over a summer move, potentially beating rivals like Manchester City and Bayern Munich to his signature.
The Moroccan Football Federation’s recent push to naturalize Bouaddi for international duty adds another layer to his timeline. A move to Madrid would complicate his eligibility for Morocco’s 2026 World Cup preparations, forcing a high-stakes decision between club ambition and national team commitments. The pressure on Bouaddi isn’t just technical—it’s psychological.
Players who transition from Ligue 1 to the Champions League often struggle with the increased physicality and tactical demands. Bouaddi’s ability to adapt will be scrutinized not just by Madrid, but by Morocco’s coaching staff, who are building a squad for the 2026 World Cup. His final three games of the season could determine whether he’s seen as a future star or a project that needs more time. Read at GNews.io
Why this matters
An endorsement from a world-class striker like Giroud lends credibility to transfer speculation, especially when the target is already on Real Madrid’s radar. Bouaddi’s potential move reflects Madrid’s ongoing strategy of signing elite young midfielders before they peak. The focus on finishing highlights the specific technical hurdle he must clear—one that separates promising talents from Champions League-ready stars. The added layer of international eligibility pressures underscores how transfer decisions now intersect with broader career trajectories, making Bouaddi’s next six weeks pivotal. Bouaddi’s case also exposes the widening gap between Ligue 1’s creative midfielders and the physical demands of Europe’s elite leagues, where finishing and pressing intensity are non-negotiable.
Frequently asked
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi?
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a 21-year-old Moroccan midfielder who plays for Lille in Ligue 1. He gained prominence as part of Morocco’s 2022 World Cup squad and has since impressed with his vision and passing.
What did Olivier Giroud say about Bouaddi?
Giroud stated that Bouaddi has the talent to join Real Madrid next season if he improves his finishing. He emphasized that finishing is the only area holding Bouaddi back from a move to the Spanish giants.
Is Real Madrid interested in Bouaddi?
Yes. Multiple reports indicate that Real Madrid have been monitoring Bouaddi’s development closely. The club’s interest aligns with their strategy of signing young, technical midfielders.
What are Bouaddi’s strengths and weaknesses?
Bouaddi excels in vision, passing, and playmaking from deep positions. His finishing, however, remains inconsistent, which Giroud and Madrid view as a critical area for improvement.
When is Bouaddi’s next big match?
Bouaddi’s next high-profile fixture is against PSG on May 18, 2025. His performance in this game could influence Real Madrid’s decision on a potential move.
How does this fit into Real Madrid’s recruitment plans?
Real Madrid have a history of integrating young midfielders into their squad. Bouaddi’s profile fits their long-term strategy, but his finishing must meet their Champions League standards.
