Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was honored on Saturday night in Riyadh with the Joy Awards for 2026, taking home the title of Best Athlete. The ceremony took place in a luxurious setting in the Saudi capital as part of the Riyadh Season, attended by a select group of stars from the arts, sports, and media from around the world.
The award was presented on behalf of Bounou, who is participating in the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025) with the Moroccan national team on Sunday, by the Moroccan ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mostafa Mansouri.
The Joy Awards, now in its sixth edition and organized under the Riyadh Season by the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, are awarded in four main categories: acting, music, sports, and blogging (influencers).
According to the organizers, the awards aim to highlight the stars and legends of music, icons of cinema, exceptional athletes, and influential figures who leave a positive impact on people’s lives.
Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper for Al Hilal, was awarded the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Award for Best African Goalkeeper in November 2025. He also ranked fifth in the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world for the same year.
In addition to his impressive performances for the Moroccan national team, Bounou has showcased exceptional skills with Al Hilal, particularly in the FIFA Club World Cup (USA 2025).
