A Tough Test for Bono: The Best Arab Goalkeeper Showdown
11 October 2025
A Difficult Test for Bono: The Best Arab Goalkeeper Showdown
The Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono of Al Hilal Saudi Arabia faced a delicate moment as he weighed in on who is the greatest Arab goalkeeper in history.
Since arriving at Al Hilal in the summer of 2023, Bono has proven to be one of the most influential keepers in the Asian continent and the Arab world, combining decisive saves with steady performances that helped the team win several domestic titles and reach deep into continental and world competitions, most notably in the Club World Cup, where his spectacular reflexes helped the club reach the quarterfinals.
On the official YouTube channel of the Roshen League, Bono took part in a knockout-style challenge that pitted a group of historic Arab goalkeepers against each other to decide the best of all time.
The test opened with a face-off between Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary and Omani Ali Al Habsi, and Bono chose El Hadary, saying that because he is African he would pick Hadary. Then he faced Iraqi Nour Sabri and Saudi legend Mohammed Al Deayea, and Bono did not hesitate to pick Al Deayea.
Next, Bono ranked his compatriot Badou Zaki over the Algerian Raïs Maboulhi, before giving the edge to Moroccan Nader El Megri over Tunisian Shukri Waer.
Across the final rounds, Bono faced a clash between Zaki and Hadary, and he smiled, saying it was a tough call but he would go with Hadary. In the other half of the bracket, Zaki eliminated El Megri, and Bono ultimately crowned Zaki as the best Arab goalkeeper in his view, ending a long series of tough comparisons.
The result sparked a huge reaction among fans on social media, with opinions divided between supporters of Bono’s pick and those who highlighted other legends who left lasting marks on Arab football. The names often cited include Mohammed Al Deayea, Essam El Hadary, Badou Zaki, Nour Sabri, Nader El Megri, and Shukri Waer.
Bono’s impact at Al Hilal goes beyond this playful exercise. Since his arrival from Sevilla, he has shown European experience and leadership, becoming a stabilizing presence in coach Jorge Jesus’s lineup. He reads attackers well, positions himself perfectly, and distributes with precision, fitting the club’s modern style and helping to build plays from the back.
He has been pivotal in big matches in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League, making crucial saves in tense moments and showing quick reflexes. His penalties-work and calm demeanor have made him a foundation for his teammates, reinforcing defensive cohesion and contributing to the team’s domestic and continental ambitions.
As Bono’s stature grows, questions about his future with Al Hilal surface. A summer signing of French goalkeeper Batoui raised questions about whether the club intends to renew Bono’s contract, which is nearing its end. Negotiations have continued, but some financial details and contract length remain under discussion. The club remains eager to keep him, citing his central role in stabilizing the defense, while Bono weighs his options as European interest grows.
Fans worry that a delay could cost Bono, yet the club continues to push for a swift resolution to ensure the Moroccan stopper remains a cornerstone as important fixtures approach in Asia and beyond.
Ultimately, Bono’s continued presence is framed as a key part of the club’s recent success story and a symbol of the modern goalkeeping standard, ready to lead the team through upcoming challenges in domestic and continental play.
Two light one-liners to end with: If Bono ever tires of heroic saves, he can always moonlight as a magician; watch the attackers disappear. And if goals were a video game, Bono would be the cheat code; endless lives, zero goals for the other team.
