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Rabat – Morocco’s football star Yassine Bounou has opened up about all his memories that made and still make him proud following the incredible experience at the 2022 World Cup journey in Qatar.
In an interview with FIFA+, Bounou emphasized how he is ready to experience “incredible” future experiences with the Atlas Lions.
“I thank destiny for giving me this opportunity,” Bounou said with emotion.
“The streets were full of fans, and we could feel something exceptional happening. In our minds, we were only thinking of reaching the final. It was not possible but we had done something incredible,” the Atlas Lion recalled.
The goalkeeper, who is one of the finest football players in Morocco’s history, earned himself several nicknames during the World Cup, including “the hero” and the “smiling hero.”
Having contributed to Morocco’s success to reach the semi-finals, Bounou also earned “the man of the game” twice during the World Cup matches against Portugal and Spain.
During his FIFA interview, Bounou emphasized how hard it was to play against Canada and Spain – stressing how important the two countries are to him.
He recalled that he was born in Montreal Canada and that he played for over 11 years in Spain.
Talking about his time playing against teams that he felt deep connections with he said the matches were “not easy.”
During the interview, Bounou did not forget to pay tribute to the Moroccan national team, particularly head coach Walid Regragui.
The Atlas Lion recalled that Regragui was able to create a family atmosphere among football players within just a short amount of time.
Regragui, who became famous for his “sir, sir, sir” slogan, was appointed less than three months prior to the World Cup. Despite the short period, the head coach was respected and applauded for his spectacular achievement reflected in his team’s performance during the World Cup.
“He gave us a clear idea. He did not have enough time,” Bounou said, stressing that the coach’s expectations were answered by the Atlas Lions.
“There is talent in the team that contributed to the squad’s success,” Bounou emphasized.
Role model
Bounou also paid tribute to former football player Ezzaki Badou, who also served as Morocco’s goalkeeper.
Expressing his admiration for Ezzaki, the Atlas Lion said that “he was following in his footsteps.”
Opening up about his aspirations and career. Bounou relayed that his goal is to become exemplary and a role model to youngsters rather than “being the main man.”
“I’m like a kid, I am not trying to be the main man, when we talk about match bonuses… I am just enjoying myself. I try to be a role model to the youngsters,” he said.
He also celebrated his close relationship with the national team: “They are like my family,” he said.
Speaking about his love for football and the World Cup memories, Bounou explained: “I hope I experience more [similar] moments. That will make me proud and happy. It’s passion. For me, it’s all about passion.”
In addition to the healthy lifestyle that he enjoys thanks to football, the Atlas Lion insisted that without football he does not know who he would be, as for him, “Football is all about passion.”
