Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz has issued a heartfelt apology and taken full responsibility for his decisive penalty miss in the AFCON final defeat to Senegal.
Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz has issued an emotional public apology following his crucial penalty miss in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The Real Madrid star had a golden opportunity to secure the title deep into stoppage time after a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty.
However, his attempted “Panenka” chip was easily saved by Edouard Mendy, allowing Senegal to eventually secure a 1-0 victory in extra time.
Taking to X on Monday, the 24-year-old expressed his deep regret over the incident that cost the host nation the trophy.
“My soul hurts. I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you all gave me, every message, every show of support that made me feel I wasn’t alone.
I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all else,” Diaz wrote, acknowledging the immense support he received throughout the tournament.
The midfielder concluded by vowing to recover from the psychological blow for the sake of the Moroccan people.
“Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologise from the bottom of my heart,” he stated.
Admitting the “wound doesn’t heal easily,” Diaz promised to keep pushing forward “until one day I can give you all this love back and become a source of pride for my Moroccan people.”