Spider-Man Bounou Dazzles to Knock Out Manchester City in Club World Cup Thriller

Orlando, July 1, 2025 — Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an unforgettable performance to inspire Al Hilal to a dramatic 4–3 extra-time victory over defending Champions League winners Manchester City in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 34-year-old shot-stopper recorded 10 saves—the most by any goalkeeper in a single match at this year’s tournament—before even earning a post-match invitation from Erling Haaland himself.

City appeared set for an easy passage when Bernardo Silva curled home after just nine minutes, but from then on it became “The Bounou Show™.” Every time City breached Al Hilal’s back line, Bounou was there—flying through the air, stretching impossibly to claw away goalbound shots and keep his side level into extra time.

The veteran custodian’s tally of 10 saves included several of breathtaking quality, most notably a one-on-one stop from Savinho that seemed destined to restore City’s lead. “Like a wall. Like a monster. NOT HUMAN,” wrote transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, reacting to Bounou’s haul of 10 stops on social media.

His heroics resonated even with City’s hierarchy. After the final whistle, Erling Haaland approached Bounou to offer his congratulations—sparking rumors that the Norwegian was lobbying for the goalkeeper to join Manchester City. “Come join us!” the gesture seemed to say, though Haaland later downplayed transfer talk.

Pep Guardiola, left shell-shocked on the touchline, could only applaud the Moroccan’s brilliance. “Bounou made incredible saves. Nothing else to say,” admitted the City manager in his post-match comments.

Bounou’s display not only extinguished City’s hopes of Club World Cup glory but also reaffirmed his status as one of football’s elite keepers, years after starring for Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League and Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. With Al Hilal now through to the quarterfinals against Fluminense, the “Spider-Man” goalkeeper will aim to carry this form deep into the tournament.