‘Morocco goalkeeper name’ has become a popular search during the 2022 World Cup as Yassine Bounou – a target for Aston Villa – shines in Qatar.
Interestingly, the 31-year-old also goes by the name of Bono, but why has the Morocco international been given the nickname? Does it have any relation to U2’s Bono? Let’s take a look…
Morocco goalkeeper name – is it Bono or Bounou?
Well, Bounou joined Atlético Madrid from Wydad Casablanca back in 2012, before spending time on loan at Real Zaragoza from 2014 to 2016.
The African glovesman then moved to Girona in 2016, which is where he started to don Bono on the back of his shirt.
Technically, the Moroccan’s real name is Bounou, although he seems to have adopted the name Bono as a footballing monicker given the similarities between that and his actual name.
Bounou may find himself in a widely different profession to the better known Bono – frontman of U2 – although there is no denying that the Morocco international is the outright No.1 for his country right now.
The Sevilla No.13 has become the first African goalkeeper in history to keep three clean sheets in a World Cup campaign, while his stunning efforts also ensured Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Yassine ‘Bono’ Bounou profile
Full name: Yassine Bounou
Age: 31
Height: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Nationality: Morocco
Date of birth: 5th April 1991
Place of birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Salary: £15,000-a-week
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Sevilla
Nickname: Bono
Yassine Bounou goal
Amazingly, Bounou has actually scored a goal in his career, joining an exclusive list of goalkeepers to find the net along with the likes of Alisson, Paul Robinson and Tim Howard.
The Morocco World Cup glovesman netted a late equaliser for Sevilla against Real Valladolid back in March 2021, and it remains his only strike across 298 career appearances in between the sticks.
Yassine Bounou could join Aston Villa
As aforesaid, Bounou is actually a target for Aston Villa as Unai Emery looks to put his stamp on things in the Midlands.
That is according to Vamos Mi Sevilla FC in Spain, who believe Wolves are also admirers.
Be sure to keep an eye on Bounou against France on Wednesday evening in the World Cup semi-final, as Morocco could become the first African side in history to reach the final of the famous tournament.
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