After his World Cup triumphs, Morocco's "Bono" was linked to prominent clubs

Source

A few memorable moments from Morocco's victory over Portugal to advance to the World Cup semifinals include Youssef En-goal-scoring Nesyri's leap, Sofiane Boufal's mother-son dance on the field, manager Walid Regragui being lifted by his team, and the uncontrollable jubilation of Moroccan fans in the stands.

However, a major turning point that allowed for these jubilant scenes occurred when Portugal made a valiant effort to equalise in the 84th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo set Joao Felix up, and his left-footed curling shot appeared headed for the top corner of Morocco's goal. Yassine Bounou, however, had other plans. Felix looked incredulous as the goalie tipped the ball behind for a corner.

At the World Cup in Qatar, Bounou made a number of other such outstanding saves that not only helped his team make history but also catapulted him into the public eye.

Top European teams, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, are rumoured to be interested in signing the Moroccan goalkeeper, popularly known as Bono since that is the name that appears on his shirt.

Bounou has preserved three clean sheets so far in the World Cup, which is tied for the most in the competition despite being well-defended. No African goalie has ever accomplished this feat.

Bounou has played in goal for four games and allowed just one goal. His 0.23 goals allowed per 90 minutes is the fewest goals allowed in this World Cup thus far. He sat out Morocco's first significant tournament upset victory over Belgium.

However, he was instrumental in his team's victory over Spain in the round of 16 by saving all three of their shootout penalties.

Although Bounou is one of the World Cup's surprise successes, La Liga supporters are already familiar with his abilities. Thibaut Courtois, perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world and a Real Madrid player, allowed five more goals last season than the Sevilla goalie. The Moroccan was named La Liga's top goalkeeper of the year thanks to his 13 shutouts.

Bounou, who was born in Montreal to parents who were Moroccan, was qualified to represent Canada, and in 2013 the Canadian manager even got in touch with him. But in the end, he decided to represent Morocco.