Yassine Bounou is experiencing a challenging spell with Al-Hilal, raising concerns for Morocco as the national team prepares for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this month.
The goalkeeper, once a rock-solid presence between the posts, has struggled in recent weeks, conceding a series of goals that have put his form under scrutiny.
A sudden decline in performance
Bounou, widely regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the Saudi Pro League, enjoyed a strong start to the season.
After recovering from an injury at the end of 2024, he returned in imperious form, earning widespread praise for his performances.
However, his fortunes took a sharp turn in mid-February.
The first setback came on February 18, when he was surprisingly left on the bench for Al-Hilal’s 2-0 victory over Al-Wasl.
His return to the starting lineup was far from reassuring—he conceded four goals in a heavy 4-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad, where Karim Benzema ran riot.
Just days later, Al-Kholood inflicted another blow, securing a 1-0 victory over Bounou’s side.
The situation worsened on March 1, when Al-Hilal faced Al-Ahli.
The Moroccan goalkeeper conceded three goals, including a hat-trick from Ivan Toney, in a 3-2 loss. In the space of just two weeks, Bounou has let in eight goals—a third of the 25 goals he has conceded this season.
A confidence crisis for Morocco’s number one?
While Al-Hilal’s defensive frailties must also be considered, Bounou’s struggles suggest a potential loss of confidence.
His absence against Al-Wasl appears to have disrupted his rhythm, and he has not been able to regain the sharpness that made him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Saudi league.
For Moroccan supporters, the timing of this dip in form is concerning.
The Atlas Lions are set to face Niger on March 21, followed by a key fixture against Tanzania in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
With Morocco relying on his experience and leadership at the back, Bounou must quickly rediscover his best form to avoid further doubts creeping in.
Can Bounou bounce ack?
Despite his recent struggles, Bounou’s track record suggests he has the resilience to overcome this difficult period.
As Al-Hilal continue their push for the Saudi Pro League title, the 31-year-old will be under pressure to steady the ship before reporting for international duty.
With just a few weeks before Morocco’s qualifiers, all eyes will be on Bounou to see if he can regain his confidence and return to being the dependable shot-stopper that Moroccan fans have come to trust.
