The First Star is Moroccan

He'll only be a revelation to those unfamiliar with him, those who haven't yet discovered the 18-year-old with the maturity of a seasoned pro, driving Lille's midfield. The French club, especially in its current state, doesn't typically capture the attention of Portuguese fans. It's not that top clubs needed to see him on the grandest stages, though sometimes they succumb to the temptation of waiting for a World Cup to confirm names on their shopping lists, assuming their scouting departments are functioning optimally.

Moreover, a short, intense competition with unique motivations has, in the past, proven fertile ground for poor decisions. Who can forget the likes of Schillaci, El-Hadji Diouf, Kléberson, Oleg Salenko, or Asamoah Gyan? All shone brightly then faded. That won't happen, I assure you, with Ayyoub Bouaddi. He dismantled a midfield featuring Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Lucas Paquetá, dribbling past opponents, bursting forward, winning back possession, and excelling in countless duels. The statistics back it up: 91% passing accuracy, but a perfect 100% in the final third, 6 ball recoveries, 5 interceptions, 9 duels won. A masterclass against a vampiric team, attempting to siphon off any talent they encounter.

He wasn't alone. Alongside him was the most Brazilian of Brazilians: Brahim Díaz, a torment for a Seleção that still needs to evolve before it can truly pose a threat. This Brazil, with four central defenders—two masquerading as full-backs, no one providing width on the right, and a midfield trio as defensively permissive as it was creatively impotent—won't be it. Morocco came close to making history and shocking the world.