Somerset – This year has seen the rise of happy-go-lucky Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, known for his all-important defensive skills, and warm smiley personality. Let’s dive into some of the main achievements of this footballing star. 

Bounou is currently the goalkeeper for Sevilla FC. The player is recognized as a force to be reckoned with after emerging as the driving force that pushed the Atlas Lions all the way to the World Cup semi-finals. The team’s successful defense left the world amazed.

The goalkeeper’s football journey dates back to his early childhood when he joined Wydad Athletic Club at just eight years old. The player’s extensive experience is reflected in his calm and collected persona on the pitch.

A rising star 

Some of Bounou’s most notable achievements stem from this year’s World Cup in Qatar, where he saved the day on more than one occasion for the Atlas Lions. 

His talent stood out, particularly in Morocco’s round of 16 victory, where Bounou successfully blocked Spain from scoring a single goal in the decisive penalty shootout. 

In an interview after Morocco’s World Cup group stage game against Croatia, Bounou showed his true sportsmanship, as he congratulated Croatia on their performance and refused to engage in negative comments toward the referee’s controversial decision in the game.

Morocco secured a win against world-famous Portugal as Bounou managed to stop a potentially devastating goal from Joao Felix. International news hailed Bounou as a “hero” for such iconic and important performances. 

The North African team’s dream of progressing to the semi-final was made a reality as the Atlas Lions conceded just one goal across five World Cup matches against some of the most formidable teams, putting the spotlight on Bounou’s remarkable talent.

Awards

Bounou has made quite a name for himself as his talent has not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated for this year’s FIFA best goalkeeper award, among seven other star candidates such as Belgian goalie Thibaut Courtois and Germany’s Manuel Neuer, among others. The award ceremony will take place on February 27, 2023.

In addition, he was given the all-important “man of the match” title after Bounou stopped multiple goal attempts from Spain in the World Cup. Again showing his strong moral conscience and kind-hearted personality he dedicated his trophy to fellow teammate Youssef En-Nesyri.

In an interview with Moroccan outlet M24TV Bounou made it clear he is aware of their “responsibility to play well,” noting how the Atlas Lions “represent Morocco abroad and the people we meet view us that way.”

Prior to the World Cup, the goalkeeper was awarded the 2021-2022 Zamora trophy as he was named the best keeper in  La Liga, Spain’s top-tier football league. The trophy is a badge of honor as it pays tribute to the legendary Spanish manager and goalkeeper Ricardo Zamora.  

This year, Morocco’s main keeper has shone as he was also nominated for the 2022 Ballon d’Or Yashin trophy, which is another highly esteemed prize issued by the French magazine France Football.

In the summer, Bounou won yet another big title as he took home La Liga’s Santander African MVP trophy, as he was named the best African player in the Spanish league. 

The player was voted for more than 30,000 times, emphasizing the enormity of his popularity, as he conceded only 24 goals in 31 league matches, making him the sixth-best goalkeeper in Europe. 

Potential signings 

After such unforgettable achievements, the player has been noticed by major club Inter Milan, according to converging reports. 

Spanish media have reported that Inter Milan is planning on selling their current Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana Onana. 

However, it seems Inter Milan is not alone as Spain’s Barcelona FC and Germany’s Bayern Munich have also been rumored to be keeping an eye on Bounou.

What’s next?

British football club Manchester United has now expressed a major interest in Bounou. Sevilla FC has been reluctant to sell their key player, yet they know the Spanish team could likely fetch over €40 million for the 31-year old goalkeeper.

The move could see Bounou replace the English team’s main goalkeeper David de Gea, whose contract is set to soon expire. 

Manchester United is a team recognized on a global scale; while Sevilla is a strong side, the move would mark a step up for Bounou’s remarkable career.