Yassine Bounou, the 34-year-old Moroccan shot-stopper, produced one of the most iconic goalkeeping performances in FIFA Club World Cup history on Monday night, leading Al Hilal to a dramatic 4-3 victory over reigning European champions Manchester City.
In a pulsating quarter-final clash at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Bounou — popularly known as Bono — was a one-man wall, making 10 stunning saves, including several point-blank efforts, to deny a relentless City attack. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award and tied the record for the most saves in a single game at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
With this latest display, Bounou now leads the tournament with 23 saves in four matches, firmly establishing himself as the standout goalkeeper of the competition.
Bounou’s Club World Cup 2025 Save Record:
- 🆚 Real Madrid – 6 Saves
- 🆚 RB Salzburg – 5 Saves
- 🆚 Pachuca – 2 Saves
- 🆚 Manchester City – 10 Saves
From denying Erling Haaland twice in one-on-one situations to acrobatically tipping over long-range efforts from Rodri and Phil Foden, Bounou’s reflexes, positioning, and composure kept Al Hilal alive as City dominated large portions of the game.
Despite conceding three goals, it was Bounou’s brilliance that gave Al Hilal the platform to hit back on the counter — a tactic that worked to perfection.
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Guardiola: “Minor Margins Cost Us”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s effort but admitted Bounou’s heroics were a defining factor in the loss.
“We gave everything tonight. The effort was there, the chances were there, especially in the first half. But Al Hilal punished our transitions and their goalkeeper… what can I say? Incredible performance. Those are the minor margins at this level,” Guardiola said post-match.
Despite City’s valiant display and goal contributions from Bernardo Silva, Julian Alvarez, and Joao Cancelo, they were undone by Al Hilal’s ruthless efficiency — and the man between the sticks.
Built for the Big Stage
Bounou’s brilliance at the Club World Cup is a reminder of the same qualities that propelled Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Calm under pressure, sharp with his reactions, and commanding in the box, the veteran continues to shine when the lights are brightest.
With Al Hilal now through to the semi-finals, dreams of a first-ever Club World Cup title remain alive — and if Bono keeps this form, they may just go all the way.
FULL-TIME: Manchester City 3–4 Al Hilal
Man of the Match: Yassine Bounou (10 saves)
Club World Cup Save Leader – Yassine Bounou: 23 saves in 4 matches.
Next up: Al Hilal in the semi-finals — and Bono will be ready.
