Zinedine Zidane has held direct talks with Ayyoub Bouaddi, a star who shone on his FIFA World Cup debut for Morocco, to remain in the France set-up.

The talks were an attempt to convince Bouaddi to retain his eligibility for Les Bleus.

What happened?

Bouaddi turned heads on his competitive debut for Morocco, helping them secure a 1-1 draw with Brazil in Group C.

He had played for Les Bleus at various youth levels, including their U-21 team.

Why it matters for Zinedine Zidane

Zidane, who is widely expected to become the next France coach after Didier Deschamps, likes Bouaddi but refused to guarantee him a key role.

Bouaddi made his Lille debut aged 16 and quickly established himself as one of Europe's top young players.

What comes next?

Bouaddi has already captured the attention of multiple top sides across Europe, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager is likely to get a move this summer, with Lille asking for at least €70 million.

Zinedine Zidane, like Bouaddi, is of North African origin, having been born to Algerian parents.

He had hoped that the youngster would follow in his footsteps and play for Les Bleus.

But Bouaddi has chosen a different direction for his international career.

France are set to commence their FIFA World Cup campaign against Senegal at the iconic New York New Jersey Stadium.

Les Bleus are in Group I alongside Norway and Iraq, as well as Senegal, this summer.

They will renew their acquaintance with Senegal, who they faced 24 years ago in their opening game.

The Teranga Lions won 1-0 in that fateful clash in Seoul, their first ever game in the World Cup.

Current Senegal boss Pape Thiaw was in the squad for that game and will look to motivate his players to repeat the feat.

France lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in a friendly ahead of the FIFA World Cup but will remain confident that they can handle business in New Jersey.

The presence of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and others will give Didier Deschamps the confidence ahead of the game.

And with Zinedine Zidane likely to take over as coach, Les Bleus will be looking to make a strong impression at the World Cup.

But for now, the focus is on convincing Bouaddi to remain in the France set-up.

So the talks between Zidane and Bouaddi will be crucial in determining the youngster's international future.

Bouaddi's decision will have a significant impact on Les Bleus' chances at the World Cup.