Latest news with #YassineBounou
Morocco World
7 days ago
- 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
Ya Biladi
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou named in FIFA Club World Cup Team of the Tournament
Moroccan internationals Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou have been named in the FIFA Club World Cup Team of the Tournament, which concluded on Sunday, according to the International Football Federation (FIFA). Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi scored two goals and provided two assists during the tournament, held in the United States and featuring 32 teams for the first time. In the final, played Sunday evening, PSG lost to Chelsea with a score of 3–0. For his part, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou helped his Saudi club Al Hilal reach the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by Brazil's Fluminense (2–1). In addition to the two Moroccan internationals, the Team of the Tournament includes PSG's Marquinhos and Vitinha, as well as Chelsea players Marc Cucurella, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer.
Morocco World
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Hakimi, Bounou Named in Club World Cup Best XI
Rabat – Moroccan internationals Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi left their mark on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, earning places in the tournament's best XI after a series of standout performances in the US. Bounou, who plays for Saudi club Al-Hilal, stood tall throughout the tournament. In a tightly contested match against Manchester City, he made 10 saves, matching a tournament record. His efforts helped the club reach the quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Fluminense. At the other end of the field, Hakimi brought speed and control to PSG's right flank. The right-back scored in a 4-0 victory over Inter Miami and delivered consistent performances despite scorching heat and difficult weather conditions. PSG reached the final but were outclassed 3-0 by Chelsea. The Best XI also includes Marquinhos and Vitinha (PSG), Cucurella, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Thiago Silva and Jhon Arias (Fluminense), and Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid). This first-ever edition of the tournament brought together 32 clubs from six football federations in a World Cup-style format. Tags: 2025 FIFA Club World CupbounouClub World Cup Best XIFootballHakimi
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.
Arab News
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Hilal stars hitting new heights at FIFA Club World Cup
DUBAI: Whenever called upon, collectively and individually, Al-Hilal's players have stepped up at just the right moments at the FIFA Club World Cup. Not many teams concede three goals against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and live to tell the tale. But that is exactly what Al-Hilal did on June 30 with their incredible 4-3 win in the Round of 16. In just a few short weeks, new coach Simone Inzaghi looks to have transformed the team tactically and mentally after a disappointing season that saw them relinquish the much-craved Saudi Pro League title. Fans and analysts have praised the intricate passing style that Inzaghi's team has displayed in their four matches, which have delivered two draws — including one against Real Madrid in Miami — and a win in the group stages, before the famous victory over the former Premier League champions. What has been striking as well is the standout performance of several individuals, with different Al-Hilal players being awarded the Man of the Match in three of the four encounters. Even in the one match they did not receive the award, the 1-1 draw against Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid on June 18, it could be argued that the outstanding player of the match was Salem Al-Dawsari, who gave debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold a difficult first half from the left wing. Instead, the vote went to Gonzalo Garcia. The 0-0 draw with Red Bull Salzburg at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on June 22 saw Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou follow up his penalty-saving heroics in the opener with another outstanding performance, ensuring the Saudi team secured a point and went into the last matchday with all to play for. MOTM: Yassine — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 23, 2025 Against Pachuca CF of Mexico on June 26 in Nashville, it was the turn of inspirational captain Al-Dawsari to be acclaimed with the Man of the Match award after scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win that saw Al-Hilal progress to the knockout stages of the tournament. Well-deserved, you legend — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 27, 2025 Meanwhile, the epic win over Manchester City in Orlando was marked by a two-goal performance from Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo, who accepted the Man of the Match award in emotional circumstances. MARCOS LEONARDO MVP — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) July 1, 2025 Al-Hilal will now face Fluminense of Brazil on Friday evening in Orlando for a place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against either Palmeiras or Chelsea. Who will be the next star to step up for the Blues?
