Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri faces backlash for refusing to celebrate goal against Al-Hilal

Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri has come under criticism in Saudi Arabia after refusing to celebrate his goal against Al-Hilal, opting instead to embrace compatriot Yassine Bounou during Al-Ittihad’s 3-2 defeat in the Saudi Pro League.

The Al-Ittihad striker found the back of the net in the 22nd minute with a powerful effort that beat Bounou, who guards the goal for Al-Hilal. However, rather than celebrating with his teammates and the travelling supporters, En-Nesyri went straight to the Moroccan goalkeeper and hugged him.

The gesture, which appeared to reflect the strong relationship between the two international teammates, quickly sparked debate among supporters and football observers.

While some viewed the embrace as a display of friendship and sportsmanship, others questioned the striker’s decision not to celebrate an important goal in a fiercely contested fixture.

Saudi sports critic Abdullah Falatah was particularly outspoken, arguing that En-Nesyri should have prioritised his commitment to Al-Ittihad instead of consoling the goalkeeper he had just beaten.

“If you, Al-Nassiri, were a player for Al-Hilal, I would understand that you wouldn’t celebrate, and this is part of the etiquette of football. But because Bono didn’t celebrate, you went to console him for a goal you scored? No, excuse me, this is wrong and unacceptable in football,” Falatah said.

The criticism reflects differing opinions about how players should balance personal relationships with their professional responsibilities, especially when representing rival clubs in matches with significant stakes.

For those unhappy with En-Nesyri’s reaction, the striker should have celebrated with his teammates and acknowledged the importance of the goal to Al-Ittihad’s cause. They argue that players must demonstrate their passion for the club they represent, particularly in high-profile encounters.

Others may regard the Moroccan forward’s actions as a reminder that fierce competition does not necessarily have to come at the expense of friendship and mutual respect.

Ultimately, the incident has placed En-Nesyri’s conduct in the spotlight following Al-Ittihad’s narrow defeat. His goal proved insufficient to prevent Al-Hilal from claiming a 3-2 victory, while his decision to embrace Bounou rather than celebrate remains a subject of debate among Saudi football followers.