Yassine Bounou bids farewell to Al Hilal team-mate Malcom with heartfelt message

Yassine Bounou has paid an emotional tribute to former Al Hilal team-mate Malcom after the Brazilian winger completed his move to Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, saying their relationship developed into a close friendship away from football.

The Morocco goalkeeper shared a personal message for Malcom on Instagram, reflecting on the years they spent together at Al Hilal and thanking him for the support he offered from the beginning of their time as team-mates.

“My friend Malcom, I would like to thank you very much for these years we spent together at Al Hilal,” Bounou wrote.

The goalkeeper said his experience alongside Malcom would remain among the important memories of his time with the Saudi club. He also highlighted the personal bond they formed, describing the Brazilian as someone who made him feel welcome both within the squad and beyond it.

“Thank you for helping me from the first day and making me feel as if I was part of your family. I will never forget what you did on my birthday,” added Bounou.

The message offered an insight into the friendship between the two players, with Bounou making clear that Malcom’s importance to him was not based solely on his contribution on the pitch.

“It was an honour for me to be your team-mate, and more importantly, I was happy to get to know you as a human being and a wonderful person,” he said.

Malcom leaves Al Hilal after a successful spell with the club and will now begin a new chapter with Al Jazira. His departure has also prompted a warm response from former colleagues, who have maintained relationships built during their time together despite the Brazilian’s move away from Saudi football.

Bounou ended his message by wishing Malcom and his family well for the future.

“I wish you and your family every success and all the best in the future,” he wrote, before adding a friendly final message: “A big kiss, my love.”

The tribute underlined the human side of the relationship between Al Hilal’s players. While Malcom’s departure marks the end of a period in which the winger played a significant part for the club, Bounou’s words suggested that the memories created between the team-mates extend beyond competition on the pitch.

Malcom’s move to Al Jazira means he will continue his career in the United Arab Emirates, while Bounou remains at Al Hilal. The farewell message from the Morocco international showed the respect and personal affection that existed between the pair during their time together in Saudi Arabia.