Bono in line for top CAF award, Ronaldo and Co book FIFA World Cup berth

There was plenty to cheer for stars of the Roshn Saudi League the past few days, with Yassine Bono shortlisted for CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and Cristiano Ronaldo headlining a large Portugal contingent booking a place at next year’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Al Hilal’s Bono, the 2023-24 RSL Goalkeeper of the Year, was nominated for the prestigious continental award alongside fellow Moroccan Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane) and South Africa No.1 Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Of course, Bono is bidding to become a two-time winner of the honour having previously won two years ago on his way to helping Al Hilal capture the RSL crown in record-breaking fashion.

Ronaldo, Al Dawsari lead 7 RSL nominees for FIFA Best - Retegui reacts

Bono, Mendy, Koulibaly and Neves also recognised

The awards, which cover the period of January 6 to October 15, 2025, take place in Rabat on Wednesday. On Monday, the official CAF website provided the reasoning for Bono's nomination, no doubt impressed by his star performance during this summer's 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. 

“[Bono] has been a model of consistency for several years and was the same again in 2025 for Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and the Morocco national team, who he helped to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification," it wrote. "He was named in the FIFA Club World Cup Best XI in 2025.”

While Bono had already secured a place at next summer’s global finals, he was joined on Sunday night by Al Hilal teammates Ruben Neves and Joao Canelo.

Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 in a huge statement of their title-winning intentions at the FIFA World Cup, the reigning UEFA Nations League champions even doing it without Ronaldo, with the Al Nassr captain suspended following a red card against the Republic of Ireland last week.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo wrote on social media platform X: “We’re at the World Cup! Let’s go, Portugal!”

Winner of the past two RSL golden boots, Ronaldo has kicked off the 2025-26 campaign seemingly determined to keep hold of his crown. His nine goals in eight matches places him second in the top-scorer charts, one behind club and international teammate Joao Felix.

Felix, who has taken the RSL by storm since his summer move from English Premier League side Chelsea, was a second-half substitute in Portugal’s victory against Armenia. He created the assist for his team’s ninth goal of the night.

Al Hilal’s Neves was also introduced late on, while Canelo began the match as he continues to make his way back to full fitness following injury.

The Portuguese quartet will arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup together with some familiar names, including a trio of the RSL’s French stars.

Al Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Al Nassr’s Kingsley Coman are regulars for the 2022 runners-up, who last Thursday confirmed qualification for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a 4-0 win at home to Ukraine.

Competing in his first game for France in almost a year, the evergreen Kante was named man of the match.

However, there was disappointment for Al Kholood and Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong after the Super Eagles were beaten on penalties on Sunday by DR Congo in their play-off to reach the inter-confederation shootout in Mexico in March.