Anthony Nlebem
After his missed penalty proved decisive in Morocco’s defeat to Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz has issued an emotional apology and vowed to repay the faith of Moroccan fans.
“My soul is aching,” Díaz wrote on Instagram. “I dreamt of this title because of all the love you have given me: for every message, for every show of support that made me feel like I’m not alone. I fought with everything I had, with my heart above all.”
Díaz won the penalty deep into added time after going down while challenging for a corner.
Following a lengthy VAR review and protests that saw several Senegal players temporarily walk off the pitch, the forward attempted an audacious chipped effort from the spot. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, however, read the attempt and calmly caught the ball.
Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time, sealing the AFCON title and leaving Morocco heartbroken on home soil.
“I failed, and I take full responsibility, and I apologise with all my heart,” Díaz added.
“It’s going to be hard for me to get up, because this wound doesn’t heal easily, but I’ll try. Not for me, but for all those who believed in me, and for all who suffer with me.
“I will keep going forward until one day I can return all this love to you and be the pride of my Moroccan people.”
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
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