The man between the posts
Yassine Bounou wears the number 1 shirt for Morocco and, this season, he has earned it on sheer volume alone. The 34-year-old has made 15 appearances for the national team in 2025/26, spanning the Africa Cup of Nations (7 appearances), AFCON qualification (4 appearances), and friendlies (4 appearances).
At club level with Al-Hilal Saudi FC, the numbers are even more striking. Bounou has featured 67 times across all competitions this season — 31 in the King's Cup, 26 in the Pro League, 5 in the Club World Cup, and 5 in the AFC Champions League Elite. That is a punishing schedule for any goalkeeper, let alone one entering his mid-thirties.
Built for the big occasion
Standing 195 cm tall, Bounou brings an imposing physical presence to the position. Born in Montréal and representing Morocco internationally, he has been a constant fixture in the national team's plans and, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he will be central to Morocco's ambitions in a tournament the country is co-hosting.
The volume of football Bounou is playing this season — across Saudi domestic cups, continental competition, and a busy international calendar — makes fitness and form the key questions to watch. So far, he has answered them by simply showing up, game after game.