Bono out to make statement with Al Hilal at FIFA Club World Cup

Interview 14 Apr 2025

Al Hilal will fly the flag for the Roshn Saudi League at this summer’s expanded FIFA Club Word Cup 2025 in the United States, when they compete against a selection of the most prominent clubs in football.

The Riyadh giants, the reigning RSL champions, have been drawn in the inaugural edition of the 32-team tournament in Group H, alongside Real Madrid, FC Salzburg and CF Pachuca.

Al Hilal will contest the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Al Hilal to take on Real Madrid at FIFA Club World Cup 2025

RSL champions also drawn against FC Salzburg and Pachuca

In fact, Al Hilal open their campaign against the current European champions, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 18. It’s an opponent Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bono knows well after faced them 10 times during his time in Spain with Girona and Sevilla.

The Moroccan, the 2023-24 RSL Goalkeeper of the Season, spoke to FIFA about helping the Saudi Arabian side make a splash on the global stage in a few months’ time.

How excited are you to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

“We at Al Hilal are honoured, as a club and as players, to participate in the first edition of the [expanded] FIFA Club World Cup, and we look forward to delivering a performance worthy of Al Hilal.”

What does it mean to you to play against Real Madrid, and does it have a different flavour playing against them for Al Hilal in the world's most prestigious club competition?

“I've played against Real a lot; I have many friends in the team, and I've always met their fans on the streets of Spain. I've always had mutual respect for the club and its supporters.

"I've faced a lot of great teams throughout my career, and I'm privileged that Real Madrid is one of them, and it's a great honour to do it again wearing the Al Hilal shirt, which is a world-famous club in its own right.

“There are no easy games in modern football, and that certainly applies to this tournament. We want to go as far as possible. As a Moroccan player at a World Cup, I aspire to reach a level I have never reached before.”

You honed your skills at Wydad AC and Atletico Madrid. Would you like to face either of them in the next round?

“Honestly, I'd rather not face them [laughs], but I hope they achieve the best and reach the highest levels.”

What do you expect the atmosphere to be like in the USA, with fans flocking in from around the world?

“Since a World Cup is a tournament that brings together many cultures from all over the world in one country and one stadium, I'm sure the atmosphere will be amazing.”

Yassine Bono holding the RSL 2023-24 Goalkeeper of the Season award

Al Hilal’s Bono wins 2023-24 Best Goalkeeper award

Moroccan edges Al Ahli's Mendy to claim RSL accolade

Al Hilal has recently expanded its fan base, with supporters now all over the world. How do you feel about playing in front of North American fans, who usually only follow you on TV?

“As part of our position in the Arab world, we recognise the value of the fans and realise how important they will be for us at the Club World Cup.

"Great teams seek to reach a larger audience in a tournament like this. We already have fans on different continents, and our participation is a positive thing for them.”

How do you feel about playing this tournament in the USA, one of the co-hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

“Every player in the world wishes to have the opportunity to represent his country in the World Cup, but now there is a new opportunity thanks to the Club World Cup. I am honoured to represent Al Hilal in this tournament and, God willing, we will perform at our best.”