Bounou Backs Two Saudi Clubs to Compete in UCL
Yassine Bounou has backed Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs to hold their own against Europe’s elite, insisting that the quality within the Saudi Pro League is strong enough to compete on the biggest stage in European club football.
The Moroccan international goalkeeper believes both Al Hilal SFC and Al Nassr have the squad depth, experience and star power to compete in the UEFA Champions League if given the opportunity.
Bounou, who joined Al Hilal from Sevilla FC in 2023 after winning the UEFA Europa League, has firsthand experience of competing at the highest level in Europe. The 32-year-old was instrumental in Sevilla’s European triumph and also starred for Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals in Qatar, Africa’s first appearance at that stage.
Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Bounou has been part of an Al Hilal side that has dominated domestically, winning the Saudi Pro League and setting impressive unbeaten runs. The Riyadh-based club boasts international stars across the pitch, combining experienced foreign signings with top Saudi talent including Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Nerves, Karim Benzema, etc.
Al Nassr, led by global icon Cristiano Ronaldo, have also strengthened significantly in recent seasons, assembling a squad filled with players who have competed in Europe’s top competitions. They have players such as Sadio Mané, Brozovic, Kinsley Coman, João Felix, and so on.
Their growing pedigree, Bounou suggests, shows that the gap between top Saudi clubs and Europe’s elite may not be as wide as many assume.
The UEFA Champions League remains Europe’s most prestigious club competition, featuring powerhouses such as Real Madrid CF, Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City FC.
While Saudi clubs are not eligible to participate due to continental regulations, Bounou’s comments reflect the growing confidence within the Saudi Pro League that its leading teams could be competitive at that level.
With increased investment, high-profile signings, and improved infrastructure, Saudi football continues to rise in global recognition. For Bounou, Al Hilal and Al Nassr would not merely participate in Europe’s premier competition but they would compete.