1. Overview
Yassine Bounou (ياسين بونوYassin BūnūArabic, ⵢⴰⵙⵉⵏ ⴱⵓⵏⵓYasin BunuBerber languages), widely known as Bono, is a Moroccan professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Morocco national team. Born in Canada to Moroccan parents, he moved to Morocco at a young age and began his youth career at Wydad AC. His professional career largely unfolded in Spain, where he made over 150 appearances in La Liga for clubs like Girona and Sevilla, and over 50 in the Segunda División.
Bounou's impactful tenure with Sevilla saw him win the UEFA Europa League twice, in 2020 and 2023, showcasing his decisive performances in crucial matches and penalty shootouts. He also earned the prestigious Ricardo Zamora Trophy for the 2021-22 La Liga season. Internationally, Bounou has been a cornerstone for the Morocco national team since 2013, representing his nation in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and two FIFA World Cups. His outstanding contributions, including key penalty saves and numerous clean sheets, were instrumental in Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Beyond his on-field achievements, Bounou has also garnered attention for his principled stance on linguistic identity, notably advocating for the use of Arabic in international press conferences, and has participated in social initiatives such as earthquake relief efforts.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
Yassine Bounou's formative years were marked by a transnational upbringing and an early immersion in football, which laid the foundation for his professional journey as a goalkeeper.
2.1. Early Life and Background
Yassine Bounou was born on April 5, 1991, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His parents are Moroccan, with his father originally hailing from the village of Bouana in the province of Taounate. His father is an engineer and a former professor at the esteemed Hassania School of Public Works. When Bounou was just two years old, his family relocated from Canada to Casablanca, Morocco, where he spent the remainder of his childhood.
2.2. Youth Career
Bounou's journey into football began informally, playing in the streets as a child. In 1999, at the age of eight, he officially joined the youth team of Wydad AC, one of Morocco's most prominent football clubs. Despite initially enjoying playing with his feet, his natural height led to the suggestion that he pursue the position of a goalkeeper, a challenge he readily embraced. During his developmental years, Bounou drew inspiration from renowned goalkeepers such as Edwin van der Sar and Gianluigi Buffon. His parents, while initially having reservations about the amount of time he dedicated to football, grew to be more supportive as his talent became increasingly evident. At 17, his goalkeeping prowess caught the eye of a scout from OGC Nice, leading to a signing with the French club. However, bureaucratic issues prevented him from playing for Nice, and he subsequently returned to Wydad AC to continue his development.
3. Club Career
Yassine Bounou's club career spans various teams across Morocco, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, marked by significant achievements and a steady rise in prominence.
3.1. Wydad AC
Bounou was promoted to the Wydad AC first team in 2010 at the age of 19, serving as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Nadir Lamyaghri. His professional debut occurred on the grand stage of the CAF Champions League final against Espérance de Tunis, played in front of an immense crowd of 80,000 supporters. On November 21, 2011, he made his first appearance in the Botola Pro, the top Moroccan league, against Difaâ El Jadida. During his tenure with Wydad AC, he participated in 10 league matches before his transfer to Europe. He was part of the squad that won the 2009-10 Botola title and finished as runner-up in the 2011 CAF Champions League.
3.2. Atlético Madrid
On June 14, 2012, Bounou made a significant move to La Liga club Atlético Madrid. Initially, he was assigned to the club's reserve team, Atlético Madrid B, which competed in Segunda División B. While playing regularly for the reserves, he also occasionally served as the third-choice goalkeeper for the first team. His commitment was recognized with a new four-year contract signed on May 31, 2013. In the summer of 2014, with the departures of goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Daniel Aranzubia, Bounou was definitively promoted to the main squad. He made his first-team debut on July 24, 2014, in a 1-0 pre-season friendly victory against CD Numancia. Although he did not make a league appearance, he was part of the Atlético Madrid squad that won La Liga in the 2013-14 season and the 2014 Supercopa de España.
3.3. Real Zaragoza (loan)
On September 1, 2014, Bounou was loaned to Segunda División club Real Zaragoza for a full season. During the first half of the campaign, he was kept out of the starting lineup by Óscar Whalley. He made his debut on January 11, 2015, in a high-scoring 5-3 loss at UD Las Palmas. By the end of the season, he had made 16 appearances.
Bounou's most notable contribution during this loan spell came in the 2015 Segunda División play-offs. After Whalley's performance in the first leg resulted in a 0-3 home loss to Girona FC, Bounou was brought in for the second leg. He helped Zaragoza secure a 4-1 victory, allowing them to advance on away goals. However, Zaragoza ultimately lost the final to UD Las Palmas by the same away goals rule. On July 23, 2015, he returned to the Aragonese side for another one-year loan deal.
3.4. Girona
On July 12, 2016, Bounou signed a permanent two-year contract with fellow league team Girona. In his first season, he played exactly half of the team's games, sharing goalkeeping duties with René Román. His contributions were part of Girona's successful promotion to La Liga, as they finished second in the league. By January 2019, Bounou had established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for the top-flight club and extended his contract until June 2021, solidifying his position as a key player for Girona.
3.5. Sevilla
On September 2, 2019, following Girona's relegation, Bounou joined Sevilla in the top tier on a one-year loan. Initially serving as the second-choice goalkeeper behind Tomáš Vaclík in league matches, he regularly featured in domestic cup competitions and the UEFA Europa League. Bounou played a pivotal role in Sevilla's triumph in the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League. He earned significant praise for his performance in the quarter-finals against Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he saved a crucial penalty from Raúl Jiménez to secure a 1-0 victory. His strong form continued in the 2-1 semi-final win over Manchester United, and in the final against Inter Milan, he made a decisive save against Romelu Lukaku in a 3-2 victory.
On September 4, 2020, Bono signed a permanent four-year contract with the Andalusian club. His tenure at Sevilla was marked by several memorable moments. On March 21, 2021, in the dying minutes of a match against Real Valladolid, he scored his first professional goal as a goalkeeper, securing a dramatic 1-1 draw. In the calendar year 2021, Bono impressively recorded 32 clean sheets in 59 games for both club and country, more than any other goalkeeper in Europe's top five leagues. On February 27, 2022, he provided an assist for his international teammate Munir El Haddadi in a 2-1 win over Real Betis in the Seville derby, bringing his total goal contributions for Sevilla to four (three assists and one goal). His contract was further extended to 2025 in April 2022.
Bounou's individual brilliance was recognized when he claimed the Ricardo Zamora Trophy for the 2021-22 La Liga season, becoming the first goalkeeper outside of Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atlético Madrid to win the award since Roberto Abbondanzieri in 2006-07. His exceptional form led to a nomination for The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper at the end of 2022, where he finished as the runner-up to Emiliano Martínez. On May 31, 2023, Bono was named Player of the Match in the 2023 UEFA Europa League final against Roma. He heroically saved two penalty kicks in a 4-1 shootout victory after a 1-1 draw, securing Sevilla's record-extending seventh Europa League title. He was again a finalist for The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper in 2023.
3.6. Al Hilal
On August 17, 2023, Bounou embarked on a new chapter of his career, joining Al-Hilal in the Saudi Professional League on a three-year contract. Since his arrival, he has quickly made an impact, contributing to the club's domestic dominance. In 2023, Bounou received significant international recognition, being nominated for both the 2023 Ballon d'Or (where he finished 13th overall) and The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023. He also secured third place in the 2023 Yashin Trophy, an award specifically for the world's best goalkeeper.
His exceptional performance continued to be recognized by African football bodies. On November 1, 2023, he was nominated for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year and 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year by the CAF. On December 11, 2023, Bono was crowned the Best Goalkeeper in Africa at the CAF Awards. With Al-Hilal, he has celebrated significant team successes, winning the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League, the 2023-24 King's Cup, and back-to-back Saudi Super Cup titles in 2023 and 2024. His individual accolades at Al-Hilal include being named the Best Goalkeeper of the 2024 Saudi Super Cup and the Saudi Pro League Goalkeeper of the Season for 2023-24.
4. International Career
Yassine Bounou's international career with the Morocco national football team has seen him represent his country across various age groups and achieve historic milestones at the senior level.
4.1. Youth and Olympic Teams
Bounou possessed dual eligibility to represent either Canada, his birthplace, or Morocco, his ancestral home and the country where he grew up. He ultimately chose to represent Morocco, beginning his international journey with the youth national teams. He appeared with the Morocco U-20 team at the 2012 Toulon Tournament, where he played in one match during the competition. He was also selected as part of the 18-man Morocco U-23 squad for the 2012 London Olympics. During the Olympic tournament, he primarily served as a backup goalkeeper to Mohamed Amsif, and Morocco was eliminated at the group stage. Bounou later revealed in an interview that he had been contacted by Benito Floro, the manager of the Canada national team, regarding potential representation, but that the opportunity did not materialize. He affirmed his deep-seated desire to represent the Moroccan national team, having grown up in the country.
4.2. Senior National Team
Bounou received his first call-up to the senior squad on August 14, 2013, for a friendly match against Burkina Faso. He made his official debut the following day, playing the entire second half of an eventual 1-2 defeat in Tangier. In May 2018, Bounou was included in Morocco's 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. In that tournament, he served as the reserve goalkeeper to Munir Mohamedi, and Morocco was eliminated in the group stage.
At the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Bounou became the first-choice goalkeeper under coach Hervé Renard. He kept crucial clean sheets in 1-0 victories over Namibia and the Ivory Coast, helping Morocco qualify for the knockout stage (last 16). He was also called up for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations held in Cameroon.
4.2.1. FIFA World Cup 2022 Performance
On November 10, 2022, Bounou was named in Morocco's 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His performance in the tournament was exceptional and pivotal to Morocco's historic campaign. In the round of 16 match against Spain, Bounou made two crucial saves during the penalty shoot-out, allowing Morocco to win and qualify for the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. In the quarter-final match, Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0, making them the first African team ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Throughout the tournament, Bounou kept four clean sheets, the highest number among all goalkeepers, and became the first African goalkeeper to achieve three clean sheets at a single World Cup. A minor setback occurred before the group stage match against Belgium, when he felt unwell during the national anthem and was replaced by Munir Mohamedi just before kickoff, an incident later attributed to a prior injury sustained in the opening match against Croatia. Despite this, his overall contributions were monumental to Morocco's deep run in the competition.
4.2.2. Stance on Language
During the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Yassine Bounou gained significant attention for his firm stance on linguistic integrity. He notably refused to conduct press conferences in French or English, insisting on using only Arabic. This act was seen as a subtle but powerful protest against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for not providing an Arabic translator for the media events. Bounou's choice underscored the importance of cultural representation and linguistic diversity in international sports forums, resonating deeply with many who advocate for the recognition of indigenous languages and identities.
5. Personal Life
Yassine Bounou's personal life reflects his deep connection to his Moroccan heritage and a commitment to social responsibility. Born in Canada, his family's move to Casablanca, Morocco, when he was a toddler shaped his identity. Beyond the football pitch, Bounou has demonstrated a philanthropic spirit. In a notable act of solidarity, he joined his national teammates in donating blood to assist those affected by the devastating 2023 Marrakesh-Safi earthquake, showcasing his active involvement in humanitarian efforts.
6. Honors and Awards
Yassine Bounou has accumulated numerous collective and individual honors throughout his distinguished career.
6.1. Club Honors
- Wydad AC
- Botola: 2009-10
- CAF Champions League runner-up: 2011
- Atlético Madrid
- Supercopa de España: 2014
- Sevilla
- UEFA Europa League: 2019-20, 2022-23
- UEFA Super Cup runner-up: 2020, 2023
- Al Hilal
- Saudi Pro League: 2023-24
- King's Cup: 2023-24
- Saudi Super Cup: 2023, 2024
6.2. Individual Awards
- Ricardo Zamora Trophy: 2021-22
- La Liga Best African Player: 2021-22
- La Liga Team of the Season: 2021-22
- UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2019-20, 2022-23
- "Lion d'Or" African Footballer of the Year: 2023
- "Africa d'Or" African Footballer of the Year: 2023
- African Goalkeeper of the Year: 2023
- IFFHS Africa Team of The Year: 2022, 2023
- Saudi Super Cup Best goalkeeper: 2024
- Saudi Pro League Goalkeeper of the Season: 2023-24
- UMFP Best Moroccan goalkeeper abroad: 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
6.3. Orders and Decorations
- Order of the Throne: 2022
7. Career Statistics
Detailed statistical data reflecting Yassine Bounou's performance across his club and international career.
7.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Wydad AC | 2010-11 | Botola | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | |
| 2011-12 | Botola | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 10 | 0 | ||
| Total | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 11 | 0 | |||
| Atlético Madrid B | 2012-13 | Segunda División B | 24 | 0 | - | - | - | 24 | 0 | |||
| 2013-14 | Segunda División B | 23 | 0 | - | - | - | 23 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 47 | 0 | - | - | - | 47 | 0 | |||||
| Atlético Madrid | 2013-14 | La Liga | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zaragoza (loan) | 2014-15 | Segunda División | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | 19 | 0 | |
| 2015-16 | Segunda División | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 19 | 0 | |||
| Total | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | 38 | 0 | |||
| Girona | 2016-17 | Segunda División | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 21 | 0 | ||
| 2017-18 | La Liga | 30 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 31 | 0 | |||
| 2018-19 | La Liga | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 32 | 0 | |||
| Total | 83 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 84 | 0 | ||||
| Sevilla (loan) | 2019-20 | La Liga | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 | - | 18 | 0 | |
| Sevilla | 2020-21 | La Liga | 33 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 45 | 1 |
| 2021-22 | La Liga | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | - | 41 | 0 | ||
| 2022-23 | La Liga | 25 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | - | 36 | 0 | ||
| 2023-24 | La Liga | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||
| Total | 96 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 142 | 1 | ||
| Al Hilal | 2023-24 | Saudi Pro League | 31 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 43 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | Saudi Pro League | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 30 | 0 | |
| Total | 52 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 73 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 323 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 47 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 395 | 1 | ||
7.2. International Statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 2013 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2016 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 8 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 18 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 13 | 0 | |
| Total | 71 | 0 | |