Banoun - Raja's Elegant Defender
Bader Banoun is one of the most remarkable Raja players in recent times. A natural-born leader, and a fighter who regularly impresses either in the Moroccan League “Botola” league or the Total CAF Champions League.
Banoun played an important role in helping Raja clinch the 2018 Total CAF Confederation Cup, the 2019 CAF super Cup, and the Botola title this year. His speed, tactical and technical abilities made him one of the most appreciated players among the club supporters.
Moreover, his hard work, commitment and winning spirit made him captain Morocco in their victorious campaign in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), when he led the Atlas Lions all the way to the title.
"He is the leader of Raja's revolution in the recent years. He led the team to win the Moroccan Botola for the first time since 2013, in addition to CAF titles. He achieved all what a local player can dream of. Banoun is one of the best players that we have seen recently in the Moroccan league. A defender and a playmaker at the same time. I am really impressed by his ability to read games," said Moroccan football writer and analyst Youssef Abouladl.
Born in Casablanca in 1993, Banoun began his career with Raja youth teams before playing for RS Berkane in the 2014-2015 season. He came back to Raja in 2015 where he has been playing for five seasons, winning four titles including the 2017 Throne Cup, the 2018 Total CAF Confederation Cup, the 2019 CAF Super Cup, and the 2020 Moroccan Botola.
For Raja fans, Banoun is a true leader. He is an example of players who can give everything to the club. They have always expressed their pride to see a player who learned football at the club's school and fought to make a name for himself with the senior team. Banoun is Raja’s vice-captain to Mouhsine Metouali.
"Banoun is the true meaning of a "Green Eagle". He is not just a player in our eyes, but a fighter who cannot let us down. He has written his name with pride and glory in the club's history", Raja supporter Amine Alami told CAFOnline.
Banoun's spectacular and clean tackles are a joy to watch. His speed and pressure on the opponents make it easy for him to get the ball without conceding fouls. In addition to his defensive roles, Banoun also helps offensively through long crosses and even by scoring goals himself.
He scored in a number of vital games, including a decisive goal at home against Congolese giants TP Mazembe that helped the team reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Banoun has got all the qualities of a modern defender who defends, organizes the team, and scores goals.
"He is everywhere on the pitch. You can see him talking to the players and motivating them when necessary. He defends very well and scores goals. We feel sad that he is leaving after the CAF Champions League," said Anwar El Allam,another Raja supporter.
In what might be one of his last games for the club, Banoun will try to guide Raja to overturn their 1-0 home defeat to Egyptian giants Zamalek when both sides lock horns at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday 4 November 2020. The aggregate winner will face record eight time champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the final, scheduled on 27 November at the Alexandria based Burg El Arab Stadium, Egypt.