CAN 2025 final: Alvaro Arbeloa comes to the defense of Brahim Diaz | OneFootball

Brahim Diaz

While savoring Real Madrid's emphatic Champions League victory over AS Monaco (6-1), Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa stood up for Brahim Diaz. The Moroccan star had a disastrous performance in the CAN 2025 final.

After a disappointing CAN 2025 final, Brahim Diaz is set to return to Real Madrid in a tough state of mind. However, Los Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa isn't too worried about the Atlas Lion. Diaz missed a crucial panenka in stoppage time against Senegal (0-1, after extra time) in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

"He had an outstanding tournament. If Morocco made it to the final, it's largely thanks to Brahim's performances. I can't wait to welcome him back and give him a big hug. He's a very talented young man, and with our style of play, he can adapt to several positions. We'll rest tomorrow (Wednesday), train on Thursday, and he'll be there. His teammates are eager to warmly congratulate him. That gives me great confidence for the future," Arbeloa said at Tuesday's press conference following the win over Monaco (6-1) in the Champions League.