Yashin Trophy: Morocco’s Yassine Bounou tops key goalkeeping statistics ahead of Ballon d’Or ceremony

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has strengthened his case for the 2026 Yashin Trophy after recording an 80% save rate and five clean sheets for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal at the start of the 2026/27 season.

The Morocco international is one of 10 nominees for the award, which recognises the world’s best goalkeeper at the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Bounou’s early-season statistics place him ahead of several leading European goalkeepers, including Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Arsenal’s David Raya and Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.

According to Al Jazeera, the 34-year-old has made eight appearances for Al Hilal, playing 720 minutes and conceding five goals at an average of 0.62 per match.

He has saved 19 of the 25 shots faced, giving him the highest save percentage among the six goalkeepers included in the statistical comparison.

Bounou leads key statistical categories

The Moroccan has kept five clean sheets in eight appearances, a rate of 62.5%, further underlining his impressive start to the campaign.

His figures compare favourably with those of several of his main rivals for the individual prize.

Arsenal’s David Raya has conceded five goals in seven matches, saving 14 of the 19 shots he faced for a 73.7% save rate. The Spain international has also recorded four clean sheets, representing 57.1% of his appearances.

Courtois, meanwhile, has played nine matches for Real Madrid, conceding nine goals and saving 29 of 38 shots. The Belgian has registered a 76.3% save rate and kept two clean sheets.

Donnarumma has saved 21 of the 28 shots faced in seven appearances for Manchester City, producing a 75% save rate. The Italian has conceded seven goals and recorded three clean sheets.

Spain’s Unai Simon, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, has also kept four clean sheets in eight appearances, with a save rate of 72.7%.

Although Bounou leads the selected comparison in save percentage and clean-sheet rate, those statistics alone do not determine the winner. The quality of opposition, the difficulty of saves and performances in major competitions are also important considerations.

Morocco’s World Cup hero strengthens his case

Bounou’s latest performances build on the reputation he established through years of consistent displays for club and country.

The goalkeeper became a global figure during the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar, where he played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals.

The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab national team to reach that stage of the tournament, marking a landmark achievement for Moroccan and African football.

Bounou’s performances throughout the competition enhanced his standing among the world’s leading goalkeepers and remain a significant part of his international legacy.

In 2023, he finished third in the Yashin Trophy rankings, one of the most notable individual achievements of his career.

His experience at major international tournaments could strengthen his candidacy as he competes against goalkeepers with impressive records at Europe’s leading clubs.

Courtois and Donnarumma offer strong competition

Despite Bounou’s statistical advantage, the competition for the 2026 award remains fierce.

Courtois won the Yashin Trophy in 2022, while Donnarumma claimed the honour in 2021 and 2025. Both bring considerable experience and established reputations to this year’s contest.

Raya and the other nominees will also be hoping their performances earn them recognition when the award is decided.

Bounou’s strong start at Al Hilal provides a compelling statistical argument, but the final decision will depend on a broader assessment of the nominees’ performances and achievements.

Can Bounou become Africa’s latest individual award winner?

With an 80% save rate and five clean sheets from his opening eight appearances, Bounou has made a strong early case for the prestigious honour.

His performances have demonstrated his importance to Al Hilal while keeping the Moroccan goalkeeper firmly in contention alongside some of the biggest names in world football.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in London, when Bounou will discover whether his performances have earned him the Yashin Trophy.

Victory would represent another significant milestone in the Moroccan’s career and further enhance his reputation as one of the world’s leading goalkeepers.