Yassine Bounou Breaks Silence on Missed Real Madrid Dream Move
Imagine standing just one signature away from joining the most prestigious football club in the world—Real Madrid—and then watching the opportunity fade. That was the reality for Yassine Bounou, better known to fans as Bono. Now the starting goalkeeper for Al-Hilal, Bounou recently opened up about how close he came to donning the famous white shirt of Los Blancos—and why it never materialized.
In an interview with Canal Sur Radio, Bounou confirmed that Real Madrid had indeed considered him their top option after Thibaut Courtois suffered a major injury in August 2023. “That’s what I understand,” Bounou explained, making it clear that he was very much on the club’s radar. At that time, his performances with Sevilla had already earned him widespread recognition, especially after his Europa League heroics and consistent displays in La Liga.
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So, what went wrong? As Bounou puts it, his potential absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024 became a key issue. “The board looked at everything. I would have missed many games in a key month, and that wasn’t ideal for Madrid,” he said candidly. With that timing conflict, the club shifted its focus and opted for Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. Ironically, it was Andriy Lunin who ultimately made the starting spot his own during Courtois’ recovery.
Now, in a poetic twist, Bounou finds himself preparing to face the very team that nearly signed him—this time as Al-Hilal’s number one in the FIFA Club World Cup. It’s not just any match for him; it’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s symbolic of what could have been. Despite having played Real Madrid ten times with only two wins and a draw, Bounou remains optimistic. “It will be a great honour to play against them now wearing the shirt of Al Hilal, a club that is recognised around the world,” he said.
There’s something particularly dignified about the way Bounou has handled this near-miss. There’s no bitterness in his tone—only understanding. And perhaps, a little fire. Because now he gets a shot at redemption on the global stage, a chance to prove to the world—and maybe even to Madrid—that they missed out on more than just a good goalkeeper. They missed out on a leader.
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