Morocco forward Brahim Díaz has issued an emotional apology after missing the crucial penalty that could have secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title for the Atlas Lions, describing the moment as a wound that “does not heal easily.”
Díaz’s miss came in the closing moments of a tense and controversial AFCON final against Senegal, a game Morocco desperately hoped would end a decades-long wait for continental glory. Instead, the miss proved decisive, with Senegal regrouping and eventually going on to claim the title.
In a heartfelt message shared after the match, Díaz laid bare the depth of his disappointment while taking full responsibility for the outcome.
“My soul hurts,” he wrote. “I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you have given me – every message, every show of support that made me feel I was not alone. I fought with everything I had, above all with my heart.”
The Real Madrid attacker did not shy away from blame, acknowledging the pain felt by millions of Moroccan supporters.
“Yesterday, I failed, and I take full responsibility and sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart,” Díaz said.
The 25-year-old admitted that recovering from the moment would be difficult, but vowed to use the setback as motivation rather than surrender to it.
“It will be difficult for me to recover, because this wound does not heal easily, but I will try,” he added. “Not for myself, but for everyone who believed in me and for everyone who suffered with me.”
Despite the crushing disappointment, Díaz struck a defiant and hopeful tone, pledging to continue giving everything for the national team.
“I will keep moving forward until one day I can repay all this love and be a source of pride for my Moroccan people.”
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