Moroccan international Yassine Bounou delivered one of the standout goalkeeping performances of the year as Al Hilal pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester City in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Al Hilal’s stunning win sent shockwaves through the tournament, knocking out one of the favourites and booking the Saudi side a place in the quarter-finals, thanks in no small part to their indomitable goalkeeper.

After conceding a controversial early goal, the 34-year-old turned Al Hilal’s net into an impenetrable fortress, frustrating City’s relentless attacks with breathtaking saves and total composure under pressure.

Bounou’s performance reached its peak with a jaw-dropping stop against City’s Savinho. After the City forward rounded him and seemed certain to score with an open goal beckoning, Bounou somehow clawed the ball away with a stunning one-handed save that left fans, teammates, and even opponents in disbelief.

It was the pick of his 10 saves on the night, tying the record for the most in a single Club World Cup match.
By the end of 120 pulsating minutes, Bounou had made his 23rd save of the tournament, the highest so far, cementing his place as the star of Al Hilal’s unlikely run.

City threw everything at him, Haaland’s power, Foden’s trickery, Silva’s clever feet, but each time, Bounou rose to the moment.

This wasn’t the first time he’s stolen the headlines either. Earlier in the competition, he denied Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde from the spot and produced another man-of-the-match display against Salzburg.

But against Manchester City, Bounou reached a new level, blocking, parrying, and commanding his box with the calm of a man who lives for these nights.

Even Pep Guardiola had no choice but to applaud the keeper who denied his star-studded attack.

“The chances were minimal. We created a lot, and Bounou was incredible,” the City boss admitted after the final whistle.
With Al Hilal now dreaming of a fairytale run, fans have flooded social media with praise for Bounou’s heroic display, calling him a “beast” and an “unbreakable wall” for shutting out Manchester City’s stars.

Many described his jaw-dropping save against Savinho as one of the best they’ve ever seen, with supporters around the world hailing his reflexes, calm under pressure, and sheer determination to keep Al Hilal’s dream alive.

For many, Bounou’s performance wasn’t just about goalkeeping, it was a masterclass in heart, grit, and rising to the big occasion when it matters most.

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