Al-Hilal players came together to honour their teammate Kalidou Koulibaly following Senegal’s historic Africa Cup of Nations triumph, with Moroccan teammate Yassine Bonou sharing the spotlight despite missing out on the trophy.
The Senegalese captain lifted the continental title for the second time in his country’s history after the Teranga Lions edged hosts Morocco 1-0 in Sunday’s final.
Koulibaly was forced to watch the decisive match from the sidelines after sustaining an injury in Senegal’s semi-final victory over Egypt, but that did little to dampen the celebrations back at his club.
Al-Hilal shared a video on their official X account showing players surprising the defender with a large cake featuring his image holding the AFCON trophy.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, popularly known as Bono, drew attention in the footage as he warmly embraced Koulibaly and congratulated him on the achievement, a moment that symbolised respect and professionalism despite Morocco’s heartbreak in the final.
عائلة #الهلال تحتفي بنجم الفريق “كوليبالي” بمناسبة تحقيقه بطولة أمم أفريقيا مع منتخب بلاده 💙 pic.twitter.com/Igj3Xj4TCv
— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) January 23, 2026
In a separate update, Al-Hilal confirmed that Koulibaly has begun treatment sessions at the club’s medical clinic after suffering an adductor muscle injury while on international duty. The defender is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan to further assess the extent of the problem.
The club also provided an update on Bono’s condition, revealing that medical examinations showed he is dealing with a bruise to his anterior thigh muscle. The goalkeeper completed his rehabilitation programme at the club’s medical clinic and gym facilities.
