An article circulating online claims that Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Bono) saved a penalty from Kylian Mbappé during the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Morocco and France. This claim is false.
According to official match records from FIFA and multiple sports news outlets, the match took place on December 14, 2022, at Al Bayt Stadium. France won 2-0. The only penalty awarded in the match was to France in the 28th minute, and Kylian Mbappé did not take it. Instead, Antoine Griezmann was fouled, and the penalty was converted by Olivier Giroud in the 30th minute, giving France a 1-0 lead.
Mbappé did not take any penalties in that match. Bounou made several saves during the game but did not stop a penalty. The second goal was scored by Randal Kolo Muani in the 79th minute.
This misinformation appears to stem from a confusion with other matches or a fabricated narrative. Bounou was indeed a standout performer for Morocco throughout the tournament, helping them become the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal, but the specific penalty save described did not occur.
