Wydad Casablanca paid a heartfelt tribute to Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou ahead of their friendly fixture against Sevilla FC at the Mohammed V Complex on Tuesday evening.
The match, played in front of a capacity crowd, formed part of the club’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
But it was the moment before kick-off that captured the evening’s emotion, as supporters unveiled a spectacular tifo dedicated to Bounou — a gesture that left the shot-stopper visibly touched.
Accompanied by his young son, the Sevilla goalkeeper was greeted with resounding applause from the Wydad faithful.
The tribute featured a giant display of Bounou’s portrait emblazoned with the word “Mitico,” the Spanish term for “legendary,” affirming his iconic status both in Morocco and abroad.
The atmosphere inside the stadium swelled with emotion as the tifo rose across the stands, celebrating the career of one of Morocco’s greatest footballing exports.
Bounou, who played a pivotal role in Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, has become a symbol of national pride — both for his heroics with the Atlas Lions and his achievements in European football.
There was a clear sense of unity and admiration between the fans and their hometown hero, who began his career in Casablanca before moving to Europe.
The tribute was a nod not only to his footballing prowess but also to his humility and enduring connection with his roots.
Though Tuesday’s match was billed as a pre-season warm-up, the occasion transcended sport, highlighting the deep emotional ties between players and supporters.
The applause and cheers that followed the unveiling of the tifo echoed long after the image had settled, with many fans visibly moved by the gesture.
The evening also carried added weight as it saw Bounou return to Moroccan soil in club colours for the first time in years.
For Sevilla FC, it marked another step in their preparations for the new season.
For Wydad Casablanca and their fans, it was a celebration of one of their own — a local boy turned global star.
As the match kicked off under the floodlights, the memory of the tribute lingered, a reminder of the powerful connection between sport and identity, and the enduring legacy of Yassine Bounou in Moroccan football.
