Who is Yassine Bounou? What to know about Morocco GK for quarterfinals
· Yahoo Sports
After a fourth-place finish during the 2022 World Cup, Morocco entered this year's tournament with high expectations. And so far, they've lived up to them.
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Morocco has advanced to the quarterfinals where they will take on arguably their toughest opponent yet in France. France, fresh off a win over Paraguay in the round of 16, boasts a remarkable offense led by one of the greatest scorers in World Cup history, Kylian Mbappé.
However, even Mbappé might tremble before the might of Moroccan goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.
Nicknamed "Bono," Bounou was born to Moroccan parents in Montreal, Canada, but moved to Morocco at a young age.
Where does Bounou play professionally?
Bounou is the starting goalkeeper for Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal. With Al-Hilal, Bounou has taken home numerous pieces of hardware including 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year. He even received a nomination for the Ballon d'Or in 2023 as well, though he wound up finishing 13th in the running and third for the 2023 Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper.
Before heading to Saudi Arabia, Bounou built up a strong reputation in Europe, particularly in Spain, as the starting keeper for Sevilla. Bounou's stout goalkeeping helped lead Sevilla to the 2019-2020 UEFA Europa League title. He was twice nominated for the FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year Award (2022, 2023), but lost both times.
How has Bounou played in the World Cup?
Bounou has been as good as advertised during this World Cup. He made crucial, remarkable saves in the round of 32 against the Netherlands, including a save on a PK that helped propel his country over their European adversaries.
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Even more interesting, Bounou did not dive to make the save, he merely anticipated the shot from the Dutch shooter and moved into position accordingly.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Who is Yassine Bounou? What to know about Morocco GK for quarterfinals