Yassine Bounou, Ballon d’Or 2023 nominee, popularly known as Bono, is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and the Morocco national team. Interestingly, the Ballon d’Or 2023 nominee was born in Canada but moved to Morocco at the age of three. He began his youth career with Wydad AC in Morocco and later made significant strides in Spain, accumulating over 150 La Liga appearances for clubs like Girona and Sevilla. With Sevilla, he clinched two UEFA Europa League titles and the coveted Zamora Trophy.
Ballon d’Or 2023: Bounou’s Early Days and La Liga Journey
Bounou’s football journey started on the streets of Casablanca after moving from Montreal at a tender age. By eight, he had joined Wydad AC. His tall stature led him to the goalkeeping position, inspired by legends like Gianluigi Buffon and Edwin van der Sar. At 17, his skills caught the attention of OGC Nice, but bureaucratic hurdles brought him back to Wydad AC, where he made his senior debut.
Future Ballon d’Or 2023 nominee’s talent didn’t go unnoticed in Spain. In 2012, Bounou joined Atlético Madrid, initially playing for the reserves. However, by 2014, departures of key players saw him promoted to the main squad. His La Liga journey continued with a loan move to Real Zaragoza, where he made 16 appearances. Later, Bounou found a permanent home with Girona, becoming their first-choice goalkeeper and even extending his contract until 2021.
Sevilla Achievements
Bounou’s career took a significant turn when he joined Sevilla in 2019. Although he started as a second-choice, his performances in the UEFA Europa League were exceptional. He was pivotal in Sevilla’s victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, saving a crucial penalty. His heroics continued against Manchester United and Inter Milan, leading Sevilla to the title.
Bounou’s Stellar 2021-2023
In 2021, Bounou recorded 32 clean sheets in 59 games, the highest in Europe’s top five leagues. His contributions didn’t stop there.
Prior to his esteemed nomination for the Ballon d’Or 2023, Bounou had already garnered several prestigious nominations: in 2022, he assisted in a crucial win over Real Betis and was nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. By May 2023, Bounou’s performance in the Europa League final against Roma was unmatched, saving two penalties and ensuring Sevilla’s seventh title.
Revisit the 2023 UEL final in Budapest, where Bono made a pivotal save in the penalty shootout against Rome to clinch the trophy:
Al Hilal and the Saudi Revolution
Bounou’s recent move to Al Hilal in 2023 was part of a larger trend of top players, including legends like Ronaldo and Neymar, joining Saudi teams.
The Saudi Pro League team had been actively pursuing the acquisition of Bono, with a deal valued at $23 million This significant acquisition follows Al-Hilal’s recent signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar da Silva from Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year contract worth 90 million euros.
This summer, Al Hilal has made a series of blockbuster signings that have sent shockwaves through the footballing world, assembling a squad that looks set to dominate. Neymar, the dazzling Brazilian forward, has been lured away from Paris Saint-Germain with a staggering fee rumored to be in the region of €90 million. Joining him is Malcom, the dynamic winger, who made the switch from Zenit St. Petersburg for a reported €40 million. Aleksandar Mitrovic, the prolific striker, has been snapped up from Fulham for around €25 million, adding further firepower to an already potent attack. The midfield has been bolstered by the acquisition of Stefan Savic from Atletico Madrid for €20 million, bringing with him a wealth of experience and tactical acumen. Finally, the defense has been fortified by the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly, the commanding center-back, who transferred from Napoli for a fee believed to be €60 million. With such an array of talent now at their disposal, Al Hilal has made a clear statement of intent and looks set to be a force to be reckoned with. With Bounou’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or 2023, Al Hilal stands on the cusp of history, potentially becoming the first Arabic team to boast a Ballon d’Or winner in their ranks.
Morocco’s Historic Journey to the World Cup Semi-finals
Morocco has etched its name in the annals of football history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals. This monumental achievement came after their impressive victory over Portugal. The journey of African nations in the World Cup dates back to 1934, with 13 different countries making a total of 49 appearances. However, Morocco’s recent performance has been nothing short of exceptional. They topped their group in Qatar, surpassing teams like Croatia, Belgium, and Canada. Their resilience was further tested in the round of 16, where they triumphed over former world champions Spain in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. During this World Cup, they conceded a mere three goals: an own goal against Canada and two in the semifinal against France. Bounou’s outstanding performance has firmly placed him as a prime contender for the Ballon d’Or 2023.
Revisit the penalty shootout between Morocco and Spain where Bono made two remarkable saves:
The legacy of African teams in the World Cup has been filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and sheer determination. From Cameroon’s iconic journey in 1990 to Ghana’s near-miss in 2010, African teams have showcased their mettle on the global stage. Yet, Morocco’s recent feat stands out, not just as a testament to their skill and strategy but also as a beacon of hope for future African teams aiming to conquer the World Cup.
Relive Ghana’s dramatic exit in 2010 when, after Suarez’s handball and red card, Asamoah missed a penalty in the last minute at 1:1. After extra time, two more Ghanaians missed in the penalty shootout, resulting in their elimination:
Value and Recognition
According to Transfermarkt, Bounou’s value has seen a significant boost, reflecting his consistent performances with a current market value of €12.00 million.
Historical Context of Ballon d’Or 2023
Only one goalkeeper, Lev Yashin, have ever won the Ballon d’Or. Bounou’s nomination is historic for Morocco. Other goalkeeper nominees this year include Dibu Martinez and Onana, both of whom have also had exceptional seasons.
Ballon d’Or 2023 Overview and Potential Winners
The Ballon d’Or 2023 race is intense. While Bounou has had a standout year, he faces stiff competition from football giants like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe. Each of these players has showcased exceptional talent and could clinch the title.