Brahim Diaz receives support from Morocco teammate after AFCON heartbreak: ‘He will become a better player’ | OneFootball

Real Betis winger Ez Abde has publicly shown his support for national teammate Brahim Diaz following one of the most painful moments of the Africa Cup of Nations final. 

Morocco’s AFCON final against Senegal was finely balanced deep into the latter stages. 

With the score level late in the match, Brahim was handed a golden opportunity to decide the contest from the penalty spot. 

The Real Madrid midfielder attempted a Panenka, looking to settle the final dramatically. However, the effort failed, and the miss proved to be a turning point.

That moment shifted the momentum completely, as Senegal grew in confidence, pushed Morocco back, and eventually capitalised in extra time to secure victory and lift the AFCON 2025 trophy. 

For Morocco, it was a devastating end to a campaign filled with promise, while Brahim was left at the centre of a moment that will be replayed for years.

Support from Abde

Speaking after returning from the tournament, Ez Abde addressed both his own situation and the wider context of the season. 

When asked specifically about the decisive penalty and Brahim’s choice, Abde was careful, composed, and supportive. 

Rather than criticise, he chose to defend his teammate, making it clear that responsibility should not turn into blame. He was quoted by AS, saying, 

“I prefer not to talk about what happened. It was his decision and we have to respect it. This will make him stronger and he will become a better player.”

Fortunately, the Real Madrid star has not been isolated after the final. On the contrary, support has come from multiple high-profile figures. 

Former Spain coach Luis Enrique, who previously worked with Brahim, had already offered words of encouragement following the defeat.

Beyond the football world, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch publicly praised the Real Madrid midfielder. 

In a message that resonated across the country, he said, “You touched the hearts of all Moroccans,” describing Brahim as “the discovery” of the Africa Cup of Nations.