The Rise of Yassine Bounou, Africa’s Best Goalkeeper, Dominating at Al-Hilal and Beyond
Yassine Bounou, the 32-year-old Moroccan goalkeeper, clinched the prestigious Best Goalkeeper in Africa award at the CAF Awards in Marrakech on December 11, triumphing over rivals Mohamed El-Shenawy and André Onana.
Bounou’s exceptional performances for his national team and Al-Hilal have garnered well-deserved acclaim. Instrumental in Morocco’s historic World Cup semi-final journey in Qatar, Bounou showcased his shot-stopping prowess and veteran composure.
His success extended to Sevilla, where he triumphed in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. Bounou’s excellence was further highlighted as he secured the 13th spot in the 2023 Ballon d’Or, becoming the highest-ranked African goalkeeper in history.
Since joining Al-Hilal, Bounou has seamlessly transitioned into a crucial asset. Renowned for his reliability in 1v1 situations, he solidified Al-Hilal’s defence, contributing to their status as the best defensive team in Saudi Arabia, conceding only 8 goals.
Bounou’s ball-playing skills shone with impressive statistics, including 10 successful long balls out of 14 attempted against opponents. Facing challenges like crucial 1v1 situations and high-pressure games, Bounou consistently proved his worth.
His performances, marked by crucial saves and strategic distribution, play a pivotal role in Al-Hilal’s dominance in domestic and international competitions. As Morocco’s football hero, Bounou’s CAF Awards recognition mirrors his significant impact.
Coach Walid Regragui also received accolades for guiding Morocco to a historic World Cup semi-final. With Bounou’s continued brilliance, Al-Hilal appears poised for further success, solidifying his indispensable role in global football.
