Youssef En-Nesyri Reveals Why He Refused to Celebrate Against Yassine Bounou

Sunday 11 - 16:22

Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri has explained the emotional reason behind his decision not to celebrate after scoring against Yassine Bounou in the Saudi Pro League clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, revealing the deep personal bond he shares with his compatriot.

The moment stood out during the high-profile encounter, when En-Nesyri found the net against the goalkeeper he considers an older brother. Rather than celebrating his achievement, the Al-Ittihad forward approached Bounou and embraced him, turning a competitive moment into a gesture of friendship and respect.

Speaking on the television programme Nadina, broadcast on MBC 1, En-Nesyri explained that their relationship extends far beyond their rivalry on the pitch.

“He is my big brother, and I love him very much,” the Moroccan international said, recalling the years they spent together with Morocco’s national team and Spanish club Sevilla FC.

A Goal Without the Usual Celebration

En-Nesyri opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after breaking through the opposition defence and facing Bounou one-on-one. The striker beat the Al-Hilal goalkeeper with a powerful finish, giving Al-Ittihad an early advantage.

Yet the goal was followed by an unusually personal reaction. Instead of celebrating in front of the crowd, En-Nesyri went straight to Bounou to offer him an embrace.

The gesture reflected the familiarity built through years of sharing dressing rooms, representing Morocco internationally and playing together in Spain. Their professional paths have since diverged in Saudi Arabia, but their friendship remains evident.

Bounou Returns the Affection

Bounou responded warmly to his former teammate, kissing En-Nesyri on the forehead and reinforcing the sense of mutual affection between the two Moroccan internationals.

The Al-Hilal goalkeeper also praised the striker’s performance, describing him as a younger brother and congratulating him on his display.

The exchange offered a glimpse into the relationships that can endure despite the demands of elite football, where former teammates may eventually find themselves competing on opposite sides of major fixtures.

Friendship Amid a Saudi Pro League Rivalry

The meeting between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad brought together two of Saudi Arabia’s prominent clubs at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh during the eighth round of the league season.

Despite En-Nesyri’s opening goal, Al-Ittihad ultimately lost 3-2 to Al-Hilal. The result went against the striker’s side, but the embrace between the two Moroccans became a memorable moment from the encounter.

Their interaction also highlighted the close ties between Moroccan players competing abroad, where shared international experience can create bonds that remain strong even when sporting loyalties demand confrontation.

For En-Nesyri and Bounou, the message was clear: competition determines what happens on the pitch, but it does not erase years of friendship and shared experience.