Morocco’s Yassine Bounou endures difficult spell at Al-Hilal

Yassine Bounou’s form at Al-Hilal has taken a downturn, with the Moroccan goalkeeper struggling to replicate his impressive performances from earlier in the season.

The 32-year-old had enjoyed a stellar campaign until January, earning his third Saudi Pro League Best Goalkeeper of the Month award following previous wins in October and December. However, February has seen a sharp dip in his fortunes.

Bounou’s difficult run began on 18 February when he was unexpectedly benched against Al Wasl in a 2-0 victory.

He returned to the starting line-up against Al-Ittihad but endured a torrid night, conceding four goals in a 4-1 defeat, with Karim Benzema playing a starring role.

Further setbacks followed as Al-Hilal suffered a 1-0 loss to Al Kholood on 25 February, with Bounou failing to keep a clean sheet.

The slump continued on Friday when the Moroccan conceded three goals in a 3-2 defeat to Al-Ahli, including a hat-trick from Ivan Toney.

The recent run has seen Bounou concede eight goals in two weeks, a stark contrast to his previous consistency.

Before February, he had conceded just 20 goals in 18 appearances, averaging 1.11 goals per game with five clean sheets and a 59.1% save rate.

Despite Al-Hilal remaining top of the league, Bounou’s form has become a cause for concern.

His absence against Al Wasl appeared to unsettle him, with confidence — a crucial attribute for goalkeepers — seemingly affected.

As the title race heats up, Bounou will be under pressure to rediscover his best form and help Al-Hilal maintain their grip on the Saudi Pro League.

Yassine Bounou n’a que 5 clean sheets cette saison avec Al Hilal. ????

Problème défensif ou baisse de forme de notre gardien national ? ???????????? pic.twitter.com/uvfMjsq5mC

— FRMF Xtra (@FRMFXtra) February 28, 2025