The Moroccan goalkeeper has already created historical past, serving to his nation attain the World Cup semifinals.
Morocco’s win over Portugal to develop into the first African aspect to succeed in the World Cup semifinals produced some iconic photographs: Youssef En-Nesyri’s leap for the objective, Sofiane Boufal dancing together with his mom on the touchline, supervisor Walid Regragui being hoisted by his gamers, the unbridled pleasure amongst Moroccan followers within the stands.
But a vital second that enabled these scenes of euphoria got here within the 84th minute, with Portugal urgent arduous for an equaliser.
Joao Felix was teed up by Cristiano Ronaldo and the curling left-footed strike he unleashed appeared destined for the highest nook of Morocco’s objective. However Yassine Bounou had different concepts. The goalkeeper tipped the ball behind for a nook, leaving Felix with an expression of disbelief. It was a second that handed by in a cut up second however one which Moroccan soccer will relive for many years.
It's amongst a string of such epic saves by Bounou on the World Cup in Qatar that helped his aspect create historical past whereas additionally propelling him into the worldwide limelight.
Rumours are swirling of high European golf equipment, from Actual Madrid to Manchester United, taking curiosity within the Moroccan goalkeeper, who's also referred to as Bono – the title he wears on his jersey.
Albeit protected by an in a position defence, Bounou has saved three clear sheets thus far within the World Cup, the joint-best within the event. It's a feat no African goalkeeper has ever achieved earlier than.
In 4 video games between the posts, Bounou has conceded only one objective. His objectives conceded per 90 minutes is 0.23, the bottom thus far on this World Cup. He didn't play in Morocco’s first huge upset of the event, in opposition to Belgium.
However he starred in his aspect’s win over Spain within the spherical of 16, protecting out all three penalties within the shootout.
Whereas Bounou is likely one of the breakout successes of the World Cup, La Liga followers are effectively acquainted together with his abilities. The Sevilla keeper conceded 5 fewer objectives final season than Actual Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, arguably the primary goalkeeper on the planet. The Moroccan’s 13 clear sheets noticed him topped the most effective goalkeeper of the yr in La Liga.
Born in Montreal to Moroccan dad and mom, Bounou was eligible to play for Canada and was even contacted by the Canadian supervisor in 2013. However he in the end opted to play for Morocco.
“I'm initially from Morocco and I grew up there. I at all times dreamed of enjoying for the Atlas Lions,” he mentioned in an interview to the Spanish tv present Balón Parado earlier than the World Cup.
Whereas Moroccan followers should be thanking their stars for Bounou, Sevilla supporters might quickly should half methods with him. He has begun to obtain courting glances from Europe’s elite golf equipment, and the Andalusian aspect – the place he's at present in his fourth yr – can have a process on their arms to maintain maintain of him.
For groups which have nonetheless not discovered what they're in search of between the posts, “Bono” may be the reply.
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