Photo from: FRMF.ma
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who plays for Al Hilal and the Morocco national football team, has been awarded the Favourite Sportsman prize in the sports category at the Joy Awards, held on Saturday as part of Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
The award recognizes Bounou’s outstanding performances over the past year, both at club and international level, where he has consistently delivered decisive displays in high-pressure matches.
Related: Turki Alalshikh Praises Morocco and Yassine Bounou After AFCON Semi-Final Triumph
Recognition from Al Hilal and Riyadh Season
Following the announcement, Al Hilal congratulated their goalkeeper in a message shared on the social media platform X, praising the 34-year-old for his achievement. The Saudi club highlighted Bounou’s reliability between the posts and his growing stature as one of the most respected goalkeepers in world football.
The Joy Awards, one of the flagship events of Riyadh Season, celebrate excellence across entertainment, sports, and culture, with winners selected based on public votes and overall impact.
Related: Yassine Bounou Wins CAF’s Best Goalkeeper of 2025
A Trophy Before a Continental Final
Bounou received this individual honor just one day before a major international appointment. On Sunday evening, he is set to start for Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, where the Atlas Lions will face Senegal national football team at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The timing of the award adds symbolic weight to the moment, placing Bounou at the center of attention ahead of a match that could see Morocco lift their first AFCON title since 1976.
Related: Can Morocco Break Into the World’s Top 5 After AFCON Glory?
