John Bonello (footballer)

John Bonello (born 10 May 1958) is a Maltese former footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

John Bonello
Personal information
Date of birth (1958-05-10) 10 May 1958 (age 68)
Place of birth Msida, Malta
Position Goalkeeper
Youth career
-1972 Fgura United
1972-1974 Hibernians
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1974–1980 Hibernians 62 (0)
1980–1981 SC Herford 6 (0)
1981–1993 Hibernians 151 (0)
1996–1999 Ħamrun Spartans 32 (0)
Total 251 (0)
International career
1979–1987 Malta 29 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

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Born in Msida, Bonello has played the majority of his career at Hibernians Paola, whom he joined from Fgura United. After being sidelined by Hibs for a few seasons he joined Ħamrun Spartans in 1996.[1] He also had a season abroad at West German lower league side SC Herford.[citation needed] He was voted Malta Footballer of the Month in March 1986.[2]

International career

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Bonello made his debut for Malta in an August 1979 friendly match against Tunisia. He earned a total of 29 caps, scoring no goals. He has represented his country in 7 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.[3] Bonello was the goalkeeper in the infamous December 1983 European Championship qualification defeat by Spain, which Malta lost 1–12, ensuring that Spain qualified for Euro 1984 ahead of the Netherlands.[4]

His final international was a January 1987 European Championship qualification match against Italy.[5]

Personal life

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His son Henry is an international goalkeeper as well.[6]

References

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  1. Baldacchino, Carmel (7 October 2010). "Bonello a suitable replacement for Hibs legend Mizzi". Times of Malta. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  2. "Player of the Month". Malta Football. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  3. John BonelloFIFA competition record (archived)
  4. Vella, Matthew (22 May 2008). "Ola! John Bonello is Spain's amigo, but that beer ad is not so funny". Malta Today. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
  5. International stats – EU Football
  6. Maltese Goalkeeper Seeking To Avenge His Father And Banish Spanish Ghosts Tonight - Lovin Malta
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