Yassine Bounou set aside the tensions of the Africa Cup of Nations final by offering a warm and symbolic gesture to Kalidou Koulibaly as the two reunited at Al-Hilal, days after Senegal’s dramatic victory over Morocco in Rabat.
The Moroccan goalkeeper and the Senegalese defender, who had faced each other as opponents in the 2025 AFCON final on June 18, crossed paths again on Friday at Al-Hilal’s training centre in Saudi Arabia.
This time, there were no stakes, no controversy and no pressure—only a moment of sportsmanship that quickly drew praise.
During a welcoming ceremony organised by the club to honour Senegal’s newly crowned African champions, Bounou was seen embracing Koulibaly warmly beside a celebratory cake bearing the defender’s image.
The scene, shared in a video published by Al-Hilal, stood in stark contrast to the charged atmosphere that had surrounded the final just days earlier.
The exchange was widely applauded on social media, with many highlighting it as a reminder of the respect that exists beyond national rivalries.
It also marked a clear break from the disorder that marred the closing stages of the final in Rabat.
That match had been briefly halted following the award of a penalty to Morocco after a Senegal goal was disallowed, a decision fiercely contested by Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, who led his players off the pitch amid unrest in the stands.
Back in club colours, attention soon shifted from emotion to fitness concerns.
Al-Hilal confirmed that Yassine Bounou is currently following an individual recovery programme after picking up an injury.
In a statement released by the club, it said:
“Medical examinations revealed that goalkeeper Yassine Bounou suffered a contusion to the anterior thigh muscle. He followed his program today (Friday) at the Meena clinic, at the club headquarters, and at the gym.”
Kalidou Koulibaly is also dealing with a physical setback.
According to the same update, the Senegal captain, who is experiencing discomfort in his thigh, “will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of his injury.”
While both players focus on recovery, their brief exchange at Al-Hilal has resonated far beyond the training ground.
It offered a rare moment of calm and unity after one of the tournament’s most turbulent finals, underlining how respect between players can endure even after the fiercest of contests.
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
