Latest news with #Bounou
Morocco World
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Bounou Extends Contract With Al Hilal After Club World Cup Heroics
Rabat – Moroccan international Yassine Bounou has ended speculation about his future by signing a contract extension with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, committing to the club until the summer of 2027. At 32, Bounou had been linked with a high-profile return to Europe, with Sevilla—his former club—reportedly eager to bring him back as their primary goalkeeper target for the summer transfer window. However, his new deal with Al Hilal dashes those hopes and strengthens the Riyadh-based club's ambitions to maintain their dominance both domestically and on the international stage. The timing of his decision comes on the back of a remarkable campaign at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where Bounou and fellow Moroccan Achraf Hakimi earned spots in the tournament's Best XI. His performances in the United States elevated him further in global esteem, especially after a record-equalling 10 saves against Manchester City and another heroic display in a narrow 2–1 defeat to Fluminense. Bounou ranked third among the tournament's top shot-stoppers, with his key interventions keeping Al Hilal competitive at every stage. Club sources indicate that Sevilla had been counting on Bounou's potential desire to return to European football. But his new contract suggests he has found a sense of belonging—and perhaps a fresh challenge—in Riyadh. For Sevilla, the rejection is a setback, forcing them to reassess their summer transfer plans. Currently enjoying a well-earned vacation in Morocco after his Club World Cup exploits, Bounou leaves no doubt about his priorities: aligning his prime years with a club that matches his ambition. By extending his stay, Bounou sends a clear message, not just about his loyalty to Al Hilal but also about his role in the Saudi Pro League's broader aspirations to attract and retain elite talent. Tags: bounoubounou al hilalyassine bounou
Morocco World
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Bounou Open to Sevilla Return
Sevilla have re-established contact with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou over a possible return to the club in 2026. Spanish outlet ABC reports that club president José María del Nido Carrasco spoke directly with the Moroccan international during his participation at the FIFA Club World Cup with Al Hilal. Bounou, 33, is under contract with the Saudi club until summer 2026 but is said to have responded positively to Sevilla's approach. The La Liga side are working on cost-effective options in future transfer windows due to ongoing financial issues, with free agents and loan deals among their main targets. Bounou joined Sevilla in 2019 and made over 150 appearances before moving to Al Hilal in 2023.
Ya Biladi
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
FIFA hails Yassine Bounou as one of the greatest modern goalkeepers
After making waves against Real Madrid and Manchester City at the 2025 Club World Cup, Yassine Bounou has further cemented his status as «one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era», the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) proudly declared. In an article dedicated to the Moroccan international, FIFA highlighted that the Al Hilal shot-stopper has «proven himself time and again». Bounou has «left his mark on unforgettable matches», delivering heroic performances in FIFA competitions and once again rising to the occasion on the global stage. Nicknamed «the Spider», he led his Saudi club to the quarter-finals with a dramatic 4–3 victory over Manchester City, an achievement FIFA notes in its reflection that «a good goalkeeper is often half the team». «With his exploits in decisive matches, Bounou has transcended the traditional role of a goalkeeper to become the architect of historic moments etched in football history», the article continues, referencing Morocco's historic win over Spain in the 2022 World Cup (0–0, 3–0 on penalties). In that match, Bounou saved penalties from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets and made two crucial saves in regular and extra time, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever. In the quarter-final against Portugal, which Morocco won 1–0, Bounou delivered another stellar performance, denying three dangerous shots, including a powerful strike from João Félix, to keep a clean sheet for the second consecutive game. The victory made Morocco the first Arab and African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. At the 2025 Club World Cup, Bounou again made headlines, saving a late penalty against Real Madrid to help Al Hilal earn a crucial point. He registered five saves in that match, four from inside the box, against top talents like Vinícius Jr. and Gonzalo García. Just days later, Bounou donned his «superhero cape» once again, making 11 saves, eight of them from inside the box, against Manchester City in a stunning 4–3 extra-time win that propelled Al Hilal into the next round. FIFA also recalled his heroics in the 2023 UEFA Europa League final with Sevilla FC against AS Roma. With the match tied 1–1 after extra time, Bounou emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, saving attempts from Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibañez with unshakable composure. His performance not only secured Sevilla's seventh Europa League title but also earned him the Man of the Match award.
Kuwait Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Al Hilal bow out of Club WCup
Fluminense beat Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal to reach semis ORLANDO: Substitute Hercules struck a 70th-minute winner as Brazil's Fluminense defeated Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal 2-1 on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. A fine left-foot finish from Matheus Martinelli had put the Rio club ahead in the 40th minute but Al Hilal's Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo levelled six minutes into the second half before Hercules stole the show to the delight of the vast majority of the 43,091 crowd. Al Hilal had pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, beating Manchester City 4-3, to reach the last eight and Simone Inzaghi's side fought hard until the end to keep their adventure alive. They bow out of the tournament having been unbeaten through the group stage, including holding Real Madrid to a draw, and having truly made their mark on the world stage. There was a moment's silence before the kick-off in memory of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva, who died in the early hours of Thursday after their car veered off a motorway in Spain and burst into flames. Al Hilal's line-up featured two of Jota's Portugal team-mates in Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo. The first half was a tight and tactical affair with few chances until Martinelli opened the scoring when he picked the ball up from Gabriel Fuentes inside the box and span out to give himself space for a left-foot shot that rocketed past Yassine Bounou. Al Hilal went close to a quick response when Kalidou Koulibaly's header forced Fluminense's 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio into a fine save. The Saudi side were awarded a penalty when Samuel Xavier was ruled to have brought down Marcos Leonardo in the box but Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was eventually sent to the monitor where he overturned his own decision after seeing there had been no contact between the two players. After going in at the break trailing by a goal, Al Hilal came out strongly for the second half and drew level when Koulibaly headed a Neves corner down to Marcos Leonardo who poked home. — AFP Al Hilal's Brazilian full back Renan Lodi had a let off when his poor backpass fell straight at the feet of German Cano but the Fluminense striker's attempt to round Bounou was denied by the smart work of the Moroccan keeper. But the outcome was settled with 20 minutes remaining when half-time sub Hercules saw a shot from distance blocked but from the loose ball Samuel headed the ball back to the forward who raced into the box and fired past Bounou to make it 2-1. Al Hilal produced a flurry of corners and some intense pressure in the final minutes as they desperately sought a way to keep their dream alive but the Brazilians were good value for their victory. Work and commitment 'We didn't have many chances but we made the most of them, the entire group worked and were committed,' said Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho. 'Our fans here in the USA and those in Brazil, they can be proud and I ask them to wear a jersey, in the mall, street, beach, wherever, wear that shirt – they should all be proud to wear that jersey,' he said. The Fluminense coach was full of praise for the performance of his 40-year-old central defender Thiago Silva who ensured the Brazilians were able to withstand the second half pressure from Al Hilal. 'Thiago Silva is huge for us, I worked with him 15 years ago, he is a coach on the pitch, very helpful and conveys calm and experience to the others. He is our captain and a leader and in hard matches like these against big clubs, its important to have people like him. He is key and fundamental,' he said. Al Hilal coach Inzaghi said his side had been unfortunate to end on the losing side. 'It has been a good World Cup for us but clearly we leave with a little bit of a bitter taste in our mouth because after what happened in that second half, we deserved much more,' he said. 'It was a tight match, decided by episodes, as happens in football. Fluminense are very well organised team that are having an excellent tournament,' he added.- AFP
Ya Biladi
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
FIFA hails Yassine Bounou as one of the greatest modern goalkeepers
After making waves against Real Madrid and Manchester City at the 2025 Club World Cup, Yassine Bounou has further cemented his status as «one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era», the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) proudly declared. In an article dedicated to the Moroccan international, FIFA highlighted that the Al Hilal shot-stopper has «proven himself time and again». Bounou has «left his mark on unforgettable matches», delivering heroic performances in FIFA competitions and once again rising to the occasion on the global stage. Nicknamed «the Spider», he led his Saudi club to the quarter-finals with a dramatic 4–3 victory over Manchester City, an achievement FIFA notes in its reflection that «a good goalkeeper is often half the team». «With his exploits in decisive matches, Bounou has transcended the traditional role of a goalkeeper to become the architect of historic moments etched in football history», the article continues, referencing Morocco's historic win over Spain in the 2022 World Cup (0–0, 3–0 on penalties). In that match, Bounou saved penalties from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets and made two crucial saves in regular and extra time, helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals for the first time ever. In the quarter-final against Portugal, which Morocco won 1–0, Bounou delivered another stellar performance, denying three dangerous shots, including a powerful strike from João Félix, to keep a clean sheet for the second consecutive game. The victory made Morocco the first Arab and African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. At the 2025 Club World Cup, Bounou again made headlines, saving a late penalty against Real Madrid to help Al Hilal earn a crucial point. He registered five saves in that match, four from inside the box, against top talents like Vinícius Jr. and Gonzalo García. Just days later, Bounou donned his «superhero cape» once again, making 11 saves, eight of them from inside the box, against Manchester City in a stunning 4–3 extra-time win that propelled Al Hilal into the next round. FIFA also recalled his heroics in the 2023 UEFA Europa League final with Sevilla FC against AS Roma. With the match tied 1–1 after extra time, Bounou emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, saving attempts from Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibañez with unshakable composure. His performance not only secured Sevilla's seventh Europa League title but also earned him the Man of the Match award.
