Bono: A Legacy That Won't Fade Fast

It remains to be seen if Yassine Bono will reach the next World Cup and help this talented new generation of Moroccan players continue to dominate the continent and, increasingly, the global stage.

It's not solely about age, though it will undoubtedly begin to impact his elasticity and reflexes, even if it doesn't appear to yet. The real question is the competitive level he'll maintain four years from now, especially with his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal expiring in 2028. However, I believe this extraordinary goalkeeper, who saved everything he could against an increasingly formidable France, will do everything in his power, if within his reach, to solidify the Atlas Lions' cause on home soil. This is because the true test for the project will come at the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and indeed, Morocco.

He made seven, perhaps eight, saves as the 'Bleus' besieged his goal in Boston. Doué forced a low save, Mbappé made him rediscover his penalty-saving intuition, and then Digne's shot was tipped onto the post with his fingertips. In the second half, they launched new incursions: Doué again, and even after Mbappé and Dembélé rendered all his previous work futile with two moments of pure magic, he still denied Mateta twice and Barcola, allowing his teammates to fight for pride.

They fought to ensure that the diving save, across the 11 yards separating one of the tournament's top player candidates from the steadfast Bono, was worthwhile. In eight previous penalty shootouts, including tie-breakers, the goalkeeper had only conceded two goals. He had saved three, two hit the post squarely, and one went wide. The fourth he saved yesterday elevates him to record-holder status, alongside names like Sergio Goycochea, Harald Schumacher, Iker Casillas, Danijel Subasic, and Dominik Livakovic. He alone made Mbappé tremble, who can only be grateful for the time he had to regain his composure and still make a difference. Not everyone can do that, can they?