“He is my brother” – Youssef En-Nesyri explains why he refused to celebrate goal against Yassine Bounou

Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri has explained why he chose not to celebrate after scoring against compatriot Yassine Bounou during Al-Ittihad’s 3-2 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League on Saturday.

The Al-Ittihad forward found the net in the 22nd minute at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, firing past Bounou to bring his side level after Gabriel Martinelli had opened the scoring for Al-Hilal.

However, rather than celebrate with his teammates, En-Nesyri remained composed before approaching Bounou, with the gesture reflecting the strong bond between the two Moroccan internationals.

The 29-year-old later explained that his close relationship with the Al-Hilal goalkeeper made it difficult for him to celebrate against someone he considers a brother.

“Honestly, it is difficult for me to celebrate against my brother and someone very dear to me,” En-Nesyri said after the match.

“We spent many years together with the national team and at Sevilla, and I wish him all the best in the coming matches.”

Bounou, who has shared dressing rooms with En-Nesyri at both club and international level, also expressed his affection for the striker following the encounter.

“Youssef En-Nesyri is like the younger brother I never had,” the goalkeeper said. “He had a great game and I want to congratulate him.”

The two players developed a close relationship during their time at Spanish club Sevilla, where En-Nesyri arrived in January 2020 before Bounou left for Al-Hilal in 2023.

Their connection also extends to the Moroccan national team, where they were key members of the Atlas Lions squad that made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Their reunion in Saudi Arabia came after En-Nesyri completed a move from Fenerbahce to Al-Ittihad in February 2026, placing the former Sevilla teammates on opposite sides of one of the league’s biggest fixtures.

Despite En-Nesyri’s equaliser, Al-Ittihad could not prevent defeat in a five-goal encounter. Ollie Watkins restored Al-Hilal’s lead before Crysencio Summerville extended their advantage, while Steven Bergwijn converted a late penalty for Al-Ittihad.

Al-Hilal ultimately held on for a 3-2 victory, moving to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 21 points from eight matches. Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, dropped to fourth with 17 points.

Although the result proved disappointing for En-Nesyri and his teammates, his explanation offered insight into the personal bond behind his decision not to celebrate.

For the Moroccan striker, the moment was about more than football rivalry, highlighting a friendship with Bounou that has endured through years of shared experiences at Sevilla and with the national team.