Shuaib Belarouch: The Keeper of the Future Following in Bono’s Footsteps
In a time when Moroccans seek a glimmer of hope to restore the glory of national football, a new star rises from the Mohammed VI Football Academy, bringing with him dreams and ambitions reminiscent of the giant keeper Yassine Bono. He is Shuaib Belarouch, goalkeeper for the national under-17 team, who captured attention with his remarkable performance at the African Youth Championship held in Morocco in the spring of 2025.
Shuaib, a native of Casablanca, grew up in a football-centric environment, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Alaa Belarouch, a professional goalkeeper at Strasbourg in France. However, Shuaib’s path is not merely a repetition; it carries his own unique stamp, marked with confidence and strength between the goalposts.
In the recent African championship, he was not just a player in the national squad; he was its backbone and support. His standout performance in the semi-final against Ivory Coast, where he saved three penalty kicks, made him the center of attention and confirmed that Morocco has an exceptional goalkeeper in the making. In the final against Mali, he repeated his success in the penalty shootout, securing the championship for Morocco and etching his name in the fans’ memory.
Mirroring the style of international keeper Yassine Bono, Shuaib displays remarkable composure under pressure, quick reflexes, and an impressive ability to read opponents. He is not only a burgeoning star but a complete keeper who has begun his early steps on a promising professional journey, closely watched by European clubs.
The story of Shuaib Belarouch, with its artistic excellence and solid academic formation, once again highlights the importance of investing in national training centers. Between his personal aspirations and the support of his family, it seems that the future of goalkeeping in Morocco is in safe hands.
While he may not be the new Bono just yet, he is undoubtedly a rising star who listens intently to the history of those who came before him and skillfully charts his path toward global recognition.