Youssef En-Nesyri explains why he did not celebrate against ‘brother’ Yassine Bounou

Youssef En-Nesyri chose not to celebrate after scoring against fellow Morocco international Yassine Bounou in Al-Ittihad’s 3-2 defeat by Al-Hilal on Saturday.

The 29-year-old striker found the net during a spellbinding contest between the Saudi clubs, but showed little emotion after beating his former team-mate. Asked after the match why he had kept his reaction so restrained, En-Nesyri smiled and said: “It’s difficult for me to celebrate a goal against my brother.”

Bounou was present when the comment was made, with the exchange reflecting the close relationship between the two Morocco internationals.

En-Nesyri scored after Al-Ittihad broke forward on the counter-attack. He carried the ball quickly from the halfway line before receiving a pass from Al-Shanqiti, then finished the move with his right foot after going through one-on-one with Bounou.

Rather than celebrate what was an equalising goal, En-Nesyri remained composed. His response after the final whistle offered an explanation for the unusual reaction.

The pair have a long history together, both at international level and in club football. They spent several years in the Morocco setup before sharing the dressing room at Sevilla FC between 2020 and 2023.

During their time together in Spain, they won the Europa League in 2020 and 2023. They are now on opposing sides in the Saudi league, but Saturday’s meeting showed that their friendship remains intact despite the rivalry between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.

The result ultimately favoured Bounou’s side, although En-Nesyri continued his encouraging start to life at Al-Ittihad. He has scored five goals in eight matchdays since joining the club.

Bounou, meanwhile, remains one of Al-Hilal’s key players. Their latest meeting produced a competitive contest on the pitch, but En-Nesyri’s decision not to celebrate underlined the bond formed through years together with Morocco and at Sevilla FC.

For En-Nesyri, scoring against Bounou was therefore a moment marked less by personal achievement than by respect for a team-mate who has become a close friend.