Bounou's Dream XI Sparks Debate After Mahrez Omission

Morocco and Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's revealed his all time African Dream XI sparking debate by omitting high profile names (most notably Riyad Mahrez) despite including several Moroccan stars.

Atlas Lions in the Spotlight

Currently on international duty, Bounou helped Morocco beat Tunisia 2 - 0 in friendly and is preparing for another clash against Benin on 9 Jun , part of Morocco’s build up to AFCON 2025.

His lineup was heavily Moroccan featuring Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Ibrahim Diaz with Bounou calling Mohamed Salah:

"the best player in Africa"

No Room for Mahrez

Shockingly Riyad Mahrez despite excellent season with Al Ahli (17 goal & 19 assist in 45 game, plus an Elite AFC Champions League title) didn’t make the cut.

Bounou’s African Dream XI

• Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Senegal - Al Ahli)
  
• Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco - PSG), Nayef Aguerd (Morocco - Real Sociedad), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal - Al Hilal), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco - Man United)
  
• Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco - Fenerbahce), Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco - Panathinaikos), Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast - Al Ahli)
  
• Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Egypt - Liverpool), Youssef En Nesyri (Morocco - Fenerbahce), Brahim Diaz (Morocco - Real Madrid)

The absence of Mahrez adds new layer to the ongoing rivalry between North African stars with fans divided over Bounou’s bold choices.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.