Yassine Bounou, a calm and decisive penalty Expert who is essential to Morocco’s World Cup

Bounou, often known as “Bono,” flourished under the pressure almost to a fault. Taking his position in the goal calmly, smiled as his adversaries approached him, and remaining equal to three penalties.

Yassine Bounou was the center of attention as Morocco defeated Spain on penalties in the World Cup round of 16, placing the aspirations of Morocco, the Arab world, and Africa on his shoulders.

Bounou, often known as “Bono,” flourished under the pressure almost to a fault. Taking the field calmly, beaming as his opponent approached him, and staying level to three penalties—which would have been four if the referee had correctly predicted that Pablo Sarabia’s penalty kick would hit the post—the goalkeeper led his nation into their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal.

Bounou was fine staying out of the spotlight for the most part, though his teammates and manager gave him credit when it was due, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi even calling him “one of the best goalkeepers in the world.” He didn’t feel the need to stand out or praise himself as highly as his teammates did, instead letting his comrades enjoy the moment. After the game, he remarked, “For the penalties, it is all about instinct, a little bit of luck, and that’s it, there is not much else.”

Bounou has a phenomenal penalty saving record, making him a sort of spot-kick specialist for Morocco. Bounou saved five of the 13 penalties he was in goal for in 2021, including two in the same game with Salzburg FC against Sevilla in a Champions League match.

Prior to the game against Spain, he had faced 50 penalties, saving 13 of them for a very good overall save percentage from the spot of 26%. The fact that Bounou revealed after the game that coach Walid Regragui did not have the team practice many penalties may also have something to do with his confidence in his own abilities.

Portugal, Morocco’s quarterfinal opponent, will be aware of Bounou’s ability in goal and generally on penalty kicks. Diogo Costa, their less-experienced goalkeeper, will provide the advantage to Bounou if the game is close and a shootout is necessary. Bounou will be watching to have another chance to make history for his nation.