Yassine Bounou began the 2026-2027 season as a starter. Positioned in goal for Al-Hilal against Al-Faisaly this Friday during the opening day of the Saudi league, the Moroccan international contributed to his team’s 4-2 victory.
Al-Hilal quickly took control of the match, scoring three goals in less than ten minutes. Karim Benzema opened the scoring with a penalty in the 19th minute, before Malcom doubled the lead in the 26th. Rúben Neves then converted another penalty two minutes later, allowing the Riyadh club to head into halftime with a three-goal advantage.
The second half proved more challenging for Bounou and his teammates. Alexandre Mendy reduced the deficit in the 59th minute, and then Théo Bongonda brought Al-Faisaly back into the game five minutes later. However, Al-Hilal managed to maintain their lead before Neves, who scored a second penalty late in the match, sealed the victory.
Preferred over Mohammed Al-Owais for this match, Bounou thus retains his position in the hierarchy of Al-Hilal’s goalkeepers. This starting role serves as an initial signal regarding his status, as recent rumors had suggested a possible change in his situation within the squad for national competitions.
