In an interview with Foot Mercato, Yassine Bounou looks back on his fine 2022/2023 season with Sevilla and Morocco's memorable run to the 2022 World Cup. The current goalkeeper of Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) also spoke about the Atlas Lions' objectives at the next AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire.
Yassine Bounou enjoyed a fine 2022/2023 season. The Moroccan international took part in Morocco's memorable run to the 2022 World Cup (semi-finalist) and Sevilla's triumph in the Europa League. As a result, he has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or and the Yachin Trophy for best goalkeeper, to be awarded on October 30. Transferred to Al-Hilal this summer, the Moroccan international reflects on his magnificent season in an interview with Foot Mercato. "It was an XXL season, exceptional.It was incredible because there was the World Cup in the middle of the season.It was really intense (...) The World Cup and winning the Europa League were unforgettable moments. The World Cup is something every player dreams of doing, of playing. It's a footballer's ultimate goal. I've been lucky enough to experience it the way everyone else has. It's just exceptional," declared the former Seville keeper.
A season that could be even more memorable, especially as Bounou is in the running for the title of World Goalkeeper of the Year. A prize he believes he can win, despite the stiff competition. "I've always had this goal of being considered one of the most important goalkeepers in the world. I think I've been trying to maintain that level for over two years now, and I've been in that category. So yes, this trophy is what I've always dreamed of (...) There are 10 of them (competitors, editor's note), and they're all excellent goalkeepers who inspire me most of all. After last season, with my World Cup and the Europa League, I think I deserve to be here.And above all, I deserve to be able to aspire to win this trophy, why not?
While the awards ceremony (Ballon d'Or and Trophée Yachine) is scheduled for Monday October 30, another major event awaits the former Andalusian: the AFCON 2023, which kicks off in less than 3 months' time. When asked about the Moroccans' objectives, the Atlas Lions' goalkeeper didn't beat about the bush.According to him, the Kingdom of Morocco is aiming for the semi-finals."It's obviously an objective for Morocco.We want to improve on what we've done in the last two or three AFCONs. We want to improve on what we've done, and above all get through the quarter-finals. Morocco are a great team and we have the ability to do much better than a quarter-final," he asserted, without failing to mention the difficulties that lie ahead. "In all top-level matches, in Africa or elsewhere, there are always difficulties. What's important above all is that the Moroccan team always knows how to deal with difficulty. With the mentality and character of the group. We're definitely going to be ready," he says.
In the meantime, the 32-year-old goalkeeper continues his preparations with the club he joined this summer after an eventful mercato. Indeed, Yassine Bounou was being courted by a number of major European clubs, including Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern.This information was confirmed by the player himself."Concerning Paris, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, yes, there were contacts with these three clubs during the mercato. What I can tell you is that I was one of the options for these clubs.But as you know, in soccer, it doesn't just depend on me. There are a lot of factors to take into account for it to happen, or not," he declared.
Today, the Moroccan is flourishing in Saudi Arabia alongside big stars like Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly and Sergej Milinković-Savić."I'm lucky today to be at a club like Al-Hilal, where I'm happy, and above all I was their main option.So, I feel the responsibility to give him the maximum," confided Bounou, who was also keen to send a message of support to his Brazilian teammate who is suffering from cruciate ligament rupture."I wasn't able to speak with him (Neymar) after his injury. But I'm sending him all my support. I really hope he'll be back soon because he's a player who has delighted us all and we want to see him back on the pitch soon," he concluded.
💭 Yassine Bounou : "Le Maroc est une grande sélection et on a la capacité de faire beaucoup mieux qu’un quart de finale (ndlr : de la CAN). (...) Ce qui est important surtout, c’est que l’équipe du Maroc sait toujours affronter la difficulté. Avec la mentalité et le caractère du… pic.twitter.com/lCHBNdpvkw
— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) October 23, 2023
