Bono 'truly grateful' to Al Hilal for CAF Goalkeeper of Year win

Roshn Saudi League star Yassine Bono has been crowned the best goalkeeper in Africa following a standout 2025 with Al Hilal and the Morocco national team.

The 2023-24 RSL goalkeeper of the year collected the honour at Wednesday night’s CAF Awards in Rabat in his homeland. It marks the second time Bono has been named the continent’s No.1 goalkeeper following his award in 2023 - not long into what would prove a record-breaking RSL season with Al Hilal.

Bono was recognised for his key role in Morocco qualifying for next summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup - he kept six clean sheets as the 2022 semi-finalists finished top of their group with a 100 percent record - and his starring role in Al Hilal’s memorable run at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year.

Speaking upon collecting his award on Wednesday, Bono said: “First, I’d like to thank Morocco for this award and for this wonderful ceremony. I’d like to mention that the goalkeepers who were nominated alongside me are equally excellent goalkeepers.

“But players, friends, all those who have worked by my side, be it in my national team or my club team, I’d like to thank all of them. Because without them it would not have been easy to win this individual award.

“I dedicate this award to the entire Moroccan people who continue to support us. And if God wills, we will continue doing our best in order to honour the Moroccan people. I’d like to thank my family, my friends and everybody who supports me in my everyday life.

"Thank you everybody. And long live Morocco.”

Bono, who since joining the RSL has been one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Saudi Arabian top flight, recently extended his contract with Al Hilal through until 2027.

In a video message on the club’s official X account, Bono said: “I think [I won this award] because, in the FIFA Club World Cup with Al Hilal, we delivered a strong performance, and our matches with the national team.

“Individual awards always come because of the team and teammates who help you earn them. It’s a great honour to me and I owe a lot to Al Hilal. I’m truly grateful to them. I want to thank Al Hilal’s fans for all their support that they give me. Al Hilal [forever].”