Essam El-Hadary: “I’m better than Yassine Bounou, but he’s among the world’s best”

Egyptian goalkeeping legend Essam El-Hadary believes he stands above Yassine Bounou, while also expressing great respect for the Moroccan international’s achievements and current form.

El-Hadary, who proudly recalls his historic contributions to Egyptian football — most notably his four Africa Cup of Nations titles with the national team in 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010 — shared his views during an appearance on the “Match Box” show via Yalla Kora.

The 52-year-old veteran stated that he considers himself better than Bounou but acknowledged that the Moroccan goalkeeper is currently one of the top three goalkeepers in the world.

El-Hadary also ranked Mohamed El Shenawy, Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, as the second-best in Africa after Bounou, while clarifying that he does not consider Bounou the best African goalkeeper in history — citing the absence of an Africa Cup of Nations title in the Al-Hilal Saudi goalkeepr résumé.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.