“I never thought I could reach the very top” – Saudi Pro League star on securing his first-ever Ballon d'Or nomination in 2023
Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has expressed his happiness at being nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.
Bounou has been named alongside 29 of the world's finest footballers for their performances at the club and international level in the last 12 months. He was instrumental in Morocco's run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals — a first for any African country.
The 56-cap Morocco international featured in all but one of his team's seven games in Qatar, keeping three clean sheets and conceding only five goals. He also helped Sevilla win the 2022-23 UEFA Europa League, keeping two clean sheets and conceding five goals.
After four years at Sevilla, Bounou left for Al-Hilal this summer in a deal worth €21 million in transfer fees. Speaking about his first-ever Ballon d'Or nomination, and the first for a Moroccan player, the goalkeeper told FootMercato (h/t Moroccoworldnews.com):
"It gives me immense pleasure. I’ve been striving for a very long time to succeed at the highest level. For me, this nomination is a reward for all of that. It warms my heart."
"I never thought I could reach the very top someday," he added. "But gradually, I discovered more about myself. I eventually realized that I had a higher ceiling than I thought."
Bounou is also nominated for the Yashin Award, handed to the best goalkeeper. He will compete with Ederson Moraes, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Thibaut Courtois, Andre Onana, World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez, Aaron Ramsdale, Dominik Livakovic, Brice Samba, and Mike Maignan for the award.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place on October 30 at the Theatre de Chatelet in Paris.
Ballon d'Or nominee Bono says Sevilla will always hold a special place in his heart
2023 Ballon d'Or nominee Yassine Bounou has played for Wydad AC, Real Zaragoza, Girona, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, and Al-Hilal during his career.
The Moroccan, however, said that he has a special place in his heart for Los Nervionenses. Speaking to the source above, he continued:
"Seville for me will always be something exceptional. I was able to reach a magnificent level there and above all, I experienced unforgettable moments. I think I can say that it will always be one of my favorite clubs."
Bounou kept 58 clean sheets in 142 games for Sevilla since joining the club on an initial loan transfer from Girona in 2019. However, toward the end of last season, he was replaced by Marko Dmitrovic in the starting XI.
The 31-year-old Serbian has himself been replaced in Sevilla's goal by summer signing Orjan Nyland. 'Bono', meanwhile, is Al-Hilal's undisputed No. 1, playing nine games across competitions this season and keeping six clean sheets.