From Euro 2020 to Rabat: Mbappé relates to Diaz’s moment | OneFootball

France captain stresses player welfare following Morocco loss

From Euro 2020 to Rabat: Mbappé relates to Diaz’s moment

Kylian Mbappé said he spent half the night speaking with close friend Achraf Hakimi after Morocco’s defeat to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final while admitting Brahim Díaz will need support following his missed penalty.

Morocco fell 1-0 to Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday 17 January as Diaz missed late penalty that could have changed the outcome of match that carried huge historical weight for the hosts.

The Atlas Lions were chasing first continental title since 1976, only to see their hopes slip away in dramatic fashion.

Speaking during press conference on Monday, Mbappé was asked about the emotional impact of the loss on Morocco’s players particularly Hakimi, his long time friend and Real Madrid teammate Ibrahim Diaz.

The French forward explained that his first conversation after the final was with Hakimi describing the moment as extremely difficult for everyone involved.

The Real Madrid star acknowledged the scale of disappointment felt in Morocco stressing that the nation had waited decades for this opportunity.

Mbappé also underlined the responsibility of Real Madrid’s dressing room to help Diaz recover when he returns to Spain drawing on his own experience of missing crucial penalty for France against Switzerland at Euro 2020.

Mbappé shares strong friendship with Achraf Hakimi dating back to their time together at Paris Saint Germain where they won several trophies including the French league and cup.

The France captain also attended Morocco’s group stage match against Mali on 26 December underlining his close interest in the Atlas Lions’ AFCON journey.