Yassine Bounou and the Art of Penalty Saves
Yassine Bounou, popularly known as Bono, has become one of the most recognizable goalkeepers in African and Middle‑Eastern football. Born in Montreal and raised in Morocco, the 33‑year‑old has built a reputation for composure, reflexes, and an uncanny ability to read penalty takers. His penalty‑shootout performances for both club and country have turned him into a cult hero, especially after the dramatic encounter against Spain at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Career‑wide Penalty Record
Compiling data from official league matches, cup competitions, and international fixtures reveals that Bounou has faced all 22 penalty attempts recorded in his senior career up to mid‑2024. Of those, he has saved nine and forced two rebounds that led to goals for his teammates, giving him a save‑percentage of roughly 41 %—well above the average for top‑level goalkeepers.
- League matches (Spain’s La Liga, Saudi Pro League): 12 faced, 5 saved.
- Domestic cup ties (Copa del Rey, Saudi King’s Cup): 4 faced, 2 saved.
- International fixtures (World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, friendlies): 6 faced, 2 saved.
- Penalty shootouts (including club knockout rounds): 0 missed attempts when Bounou was the designated keeper.
