Morocco’s penalty king: Bono’s remarkable shootout statistics revealed

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou continues to strengthen his reputation as one of international football’s most dangerous penalty shootout specialists after new statistics highlighted his extraordinary record in recent major tournaments.

According to Opta, only four of the last 12 penalties faced by Bono across Morocco’s previous three major tournament shootouts have been converted, underlining the goalkeeper’s growing influence in high-pressure moments.

The remarkable statistic covers Morocco’s shootout victories over Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and most recently the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bono Delivers Again Against the Netherlands

Bono once again proved decisive during Morocco’s dramatic Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands in Monterrey.

After the match ended 1-1 following extra time, the contest was settled from the penalty spot. With the shootout level at 2-2 heading into the decisive stages, Bono produced a crucial save to deny Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville.

The save handed Morocco the advantage before Ismael Saibari calmly converted the winning penalty to send the Atlas Lions into the Round of 16.

The latest performance added another chapter to Bono’s growing legacy in international tournament football.

AFCON Heroics Against Nigeria

Earlier this year, Bono also played a major role in Morocco’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final.

During the semifinal victory over Nigeria, the Moroccan goalkeeper saved penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to help secure Morocco’s place in their first AFCON final in 22 years.

His composure and ability to read penalty takers once again proved decisive as Morocco navigated another tense knockout battle.

Spain Shootout Remains Iconic Moment

Despite his recent heroics, Bono’s most memorable shootout performance still came during Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Morocco stunned Spain in the Round of 16 after the European side failed to convert a single penalty in the shootout. Bono saved efforts from Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets, while Pablo Sarabia struck the post after the Moroccan goalkeeper guessed correctly.

The performance made Bono the first African goalkeeper to save two penalties in a single World Cup shootout and cemented his status as a national hero.

Why Bono Excels in Shootouts

Football analysts have increasingly pointed to Bono’s unique penalty-saving technique as a major reason behind his exceptional success rate.

Rather than remaining still on the goal line, the Moroccan goalkeeper often uses subtle body movements and feints before the penalty is struck. His ability to appear committed to one direction before quickly adjusting has proven particularly effective against penalty takers who rely on reading the goalkeeper’s movement before placing their shot.

Combined with his calm presence, sharp reactions and visible confidence during shootouts, Bono has developed into one of the most reliable penalty-saving goalkeepers in international football.