Yassine Bounou boasts a wealth of European football experience, his crowning moment coming when his Sevilla side lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy in 2020.
In the 2021/22 season in La Liga he won the coveted Ricardo Zamora trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper with the lowest ratio of goals conceded-per-game over the campaign – 0.77% after conceding just 24 in 31 appearances. He is now looking to add to his list of career achievements with a successful FIFA World Cup with Morocco.
The former Wydad player made his international debut in 2013 while playing for Atletico Madrid's B team and he became the go-to-man between the sticks for the previous coach Herve Renard, most notably at the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, where he kept clean sheets against Namibia and Côte d'Ivoire to help the Atlas Lions reach the last 16. He has remained as first choice during the tenures of Vahid Halilhodzic and the current incumbent, Walid Regragui.
Here the 31-year-old tells FIFA+ about his hopes for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ as well as what he expects from the current group of players.
FIFA+: You played in all eight of Morocco's qualifiers for Qatar and conceded just three goals. How satisfied were you with your defensive work?
Yassine Bounou: The team were defensively well prepared. We were organised and that meant we conceded only a few goals. These factors are the building blocks for any team.
What was the atmosphere like on the night of your decisive third-round second-leg qualifier against Congo DR in Casablanca?
The atmosphere was electric, and the fans' energy translated on to the pitch. We felt a heightened sense of responsibility to do the fans proud, and thanks to God we managed to qualify. They were good both defensively and on the counter-attack. Azzedine Ounahi's first goal helped ease our nerves and from that moment onwards it was comfortable and we created space at will, which is ultimately what helped us achieve an amazing [4-1] victory.
How did you feel after the final whistle blew?
It's hard to put it into words – it's every player's dream to play in a World Cup. I picked up an injury at the beginning of the match so I wasn't out on the pitch the moment the whistle blew, but when the news came through to me it filled me with joy because we'd been working towards qualification for such a long time. To say we were happy is an understatement.
You grew up in Casablanca and started your career with Wydad. Do you still feel a sense of attachment?
I grew up there and I will always feel a connection with the people, both Wydad fans and Casablanca folk generally. They'll always have a place in my heart. I currently play in Europe, but I'm proud I started my career in my hometown.
Could you tell us what Vahid Halilhodzic brought to the Atlas Lions during his time in charge?
He was a strict coach. His vision was clear in terms of what style of football he wanted us to play.
Ayoub El Kaabi was your top scorer in qualifying with five goals. What are his strengths?
El Kaabi is a great striker. He finds space and is good on the transition. He can hold up the ball well, torment defenders and is clinical in front of goal.
You played an integral role in Sevilla's Europa League triumph. Where does that achievement rank in your career?
It'll always be a memorable moment for me. It was an exceptional achievement, and I'm now trying to maintain my level with consistent work and proper preparation to ensure I win more in the future.
How do you view Morocco's opponents in Group F, Croatia, Belgium and Canada?
Belgium have great players and a strong team – they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup last time around and everyone knows their quality. Croatia were runners-up at Russia 2018. As for Canada, they're an ambitious team and have some great players as well – they'll be tough competition.
How far can Morocco go in Qatar?
I think we have to learn from Russia 2018 [where they finished bottom of their group]. Our goal is to get past the group stage and when the time comes, we have to step up.
Are there any Morocco players who don't necessarily get much media attention but that you see as having a great future?
Nayef Aguerd and Sofyan Amrabat both have what it takes to become amazing players. They just need time to fulfil their potential.
Which nation would you most love to face in Qatar?
Argentina. I have a lot of Argentinian friends so it would be a very interesting match if it were to happen.
