- Home >
- Soccer >
- CAF Africa Cup of Nations >
- Brahim Díaz and the Bitterest Night of His Career at AFCON 2025
Brahim Díaz and the Bitterest Night of His Career at AFCON 2025
Everything seemed written in his favor. Goals, leadership, and the MVP within reach… until one single decision changed the ending of his story.
The AFCON That Seemed Made for Brahim
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations appeared to have a clear protagonist: Brahim Díaz. The Real Madrid attacker embraced the leadership role for host nation Morocco, delivering goals, personality, and decisive influence in key moments. Everything pointed toward a perfect coronation in Rabat, with the title and the MVP award seemingly destined to be his.
At 26 years old, Brahim stepped into a generational leadership role for a squad hit by injuries and major absences. With Hakim Ziyech unavailable, Ounahi sidelined, and Achraf Hakimi gradually regaining form, the offensive burden fell squarely on his shoulders. He delivered: five goals in six matches, establishing himself as the tournament’s most decisive player heading into the final.
The Decision That Defined the Cruelest Ending
The final against Senegal changed everything. In a subdued performance from Brahim, head coach Walid Regragui chose to keep faith in his star, trusting his talent. And as the match reached its dying moments, Brahim once again found himself at the center of the action, winning a highly controversial penalty in the 97th minute.
With Achraf Hakimi still on the pitch, it was Brahim who took responsibility. He opted for audacity. He attempted a Panenka, but Édouard Mendy read it perfectly. The miss delivered a devastating psychological blow. Senegal held firm and went on to win the match in extra time, denying Morocco the title on home soil.
In tears, Brahim collected the tournament’s Golden Boot. An individual honor that did little to ease the weight of the mistake on the biggest night of his career.
Mané Crowned Champion, a Future to Rebuild
The tournament’s MVP award ultimately went to Sadio Mané, champion with Senegal after a final that was modest in footballing terms but decisive in symbolism. For Brahim, the contrast was brutal: from overwhelming favorite to national hero, to carrying the burden of a missed penalty.
Now, the challenge is mental. At Real Madrid, where patience is limited, Brahim must recover quickly. And with Morocco, the journey continues: in June, the World Cup begins, with the Atlas Lions arriving full of belief after their historic semifinal run at Qatar 2022.
Brahim will have more chances. But first, he must forgive himself.
