Diaz Apologies to Morocco Fans after Missed ‘Panenka’ Penalty
Diaz Apologies to Morocco Fans after Missed ‘Panenka’ Penalty
Real Madrid and Morocco winger Brahim Diaz has issued a heartfelt apology to fans following a missed penalty in the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.
The missed opportunity proved to be a defining moment in the match, as Morocco ultimately lost the title to the Teranga Lions.
In a statement shared on Monday, Diaz expressed the depth of his disappointment, admitting that the defeat had left him deeply pained.
The Real Madrid star took full responsibility for the failed “Panenka” attempt, which occurred during a highly tense moment in the game. He noted that he had dreamed of bringing the trophy home to Morocco and felt a profound sense of failure for not being able to convert the spot-kick.
“My soul hurts,” Diaz wrote, emphasizing how much the support and love from the fans meant to him throughout the tournament.
The final was marred by significant drama and a lengthy delay after Senegal players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest of the penalty decision. By the time Diaz stepped up to take the kick in the 24th minute of stoppage time, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
His attempted chip was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the score level and eventually leading the game into extra time.
Following the miss, Morocco’s momentum shifted, and Senegal secured a 1-0 victory through a goal by Pape Gueye in the early minutes of extra time.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the host nation, who had hoped to end a 50-year wait for the AFCON title.
Diaz, who had been a standout performer for the Atlas Lions with five goals in the tournament, was visibly emotional on the bench after being substituted.
The incident drew widespread reactions from the football community, including former Nigeria internationals Daniel Amokachi and Mikel Obi. Both legends expressed that while Diaz had an incredible tournament, the nature of the penalty miss would likely haunt him for a long time.
They noted that such a high-stakes failure often overshadows previous successes, making the psychological recovery difficult for any player.
Despite the setback, Diaz remains determined to redeem himself and bring joy to his country in the future. He described the experience as a wound that would not heal easily but vowed to keep fighting for the Moroccan people.
He concluded his message by promising to work harder until he can once again become a source of pride for his nation and repay the love the fans have shown him.
