Why Kylian Mbappé Took a Panenka with Brahim Díaz on the Pitch
Kylian Mbappé isn’t just Real Madrid’s star scorer — he is also becoming a true locker-room leader, as shown by his public support for Brahim Díaz after the midfielder’s controversial penalty miss in the AFCON 2025 final.
Kylian Mbappé isn’t just Real Madrid’s star scorer — he is also becoming a true locker-room leader, as shown by his public support for Brahim Díaz after the midfielder’s controversial penalty miss in the AFCON 2025 final.
Mbappé’s Panenka and Message to Brahim Díaz
Deep into stoppage time against Villarreal, the French forward was fouled inside the box. Mbappé stepped up, calmly chipping the ball down the middle with a Panenka-style penalty.
During the celebration, Mbappé embraced Brahim Díaz and told him: “For you, for you.” The former PSG star later confirmed to Marca that the gesture was deliberate: “It was support for him.”
Díaz had been one of the standout players of AFCON 2025, but he was heavily criticized after attempting a Panenka penalty that could have given Morocco the title, which was ultimately won by Senegal in extra time.
Mbappé’s Leadership Extends Beyond One Moment
This was not the first time Mbappé defended a teammate. When images circulated of Vinícius Jr. visibly affected by boos from the crowd, the French star publicly backed him.
Mbappé urged Real Madrid fans to criticize the entire team rather than targeting one player, further underlining his growing role as a leader both on and off the pitch.
